It's funny that while much of the country trended towards Bush, Southeast PA continues to trend Democratic. The next county in Southeast PA to go Dem: Chester. Compared to the national or even state average, they are moving left and quick.
Well, it's not a new trend. In 1986, Bill Scranton carried SE PA against Bob Casey; I'd have to check on Bush in 1988, but in general the large Dem turnout in Phila was neutralize in most election from about 1960 until 1992.
In 1992, Clinton won the region. In 1994, Ridge, while winning statewide, lost the region to Singel, even though both candidates were from the western part of the state. Excepting Ridge's fairly big win in 1998, this has been the pattern in all Presidential and gubernatorial elections.
During this time, the percentage of the PA vote from Phila has dropped, including this election.
In the state of Pennsylvania the GOP moved down by 0.8% compare to 2000.
In 2000 Bush was there by 1.54% below his national number.
In 2004 this gap went up to 2.34% which is by 0.8% greater than 1.54%.
Again, the absolute number went up by 1.8%, but each such number should be compared to the 2.6% Bush’s national grow.
