An openly pro-coup Trumpist could become Pennsylvania's next governor

[Nevilledog]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/12/an-openly-pro-coup-trumpist-could-become-pennsylvanias-next-governor/

No paywall
https://archive.ph/NW5DA

How should the media cover a candidate who is running for a position of control over our election machinery — and has also displayed an open eagerness to steal elections?

This question arises now that Doug Mastriano is surging in the GOP primary for Pennsylvania governor. As a state senator, Mastriano played a lead role in Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his 2020 presidential loss, and the state’s next governor could be pivotal to a 2024 coup rerun.

This basic situation is reflected in some media coverage of Mastriano’s surge. But there’s something more nefarious about Mastriano than those basic facts convey when it comes to the true threat to democracy he poses.

Mastriano didn’t just try to help Trump overturn the election. At the time, he also essentially declared his support for the notion that the popular vote can be treated as non-binding when it comes to the certification of presidential electors.

*snip*

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. And he's got the backing of the Martin's potato roll family.

David Weigel Retweeted

We regret to inform you everyone's favorite potato roll mfg...

The Martin's potato roll empire is backing Doug Mastriano, and Philly sandwich slingers are concerned http://dlvr.it/SQD7sb

Link to tweet

[gratuitous]

2. If a majority of Pennsylvanians want to elect such a demagogue

There's nothing the rest of us can do to keep those voters from walking into the thresher blades of incipient fascism. From what I've seen and am hearing in other states, there's just no way these Trumper candidates can be defeated. Trump is an electoral juggernaut who, despite losing the popular vote in his two campaigns by a combined total of nearly 10 million votes, he and his rabble are unstoppable.

At least, that's what I'm hearing.

[peggysue2]

3. We have no control who wins the Republican primary

However, if Dems want to control their own futures, they will come out en masse and VOTE for Shapiro and the Democratic slate of nominees across the board.

This is not rocket science. Right now we have the vote. Better use it before we lose it.

Yes, Mastriano is totally, completely unacceptable for Guv's office or any other elected position. But he's clearly beatable; even Republicans are wringing their hands.

VOTE, people. VOTE as if your lives depended on it. Because they do.

[Amishman]

4. Having a loon on the other side helps our chances, but also raises the stakes

Easier to beat a fringe candidate but oh so dangerous if we don't

[PCIntern]

5. Especially here with our fascist legislature.