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The Cook Political Report, a highly regarded bipartisan political analysis group, has shifted its rating of the Pennsylvania Senate race from 'lean Democratic' to 'toss-up'. The change in rating indicates a tightening race between three-term Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick. The new rating suggests that the race could go either way, taking some momentum away from Senator Casey, who has held the 'lean Democrat' rating for months.
McCormick, a businessman and Gulf War veteran, welcomed the new rating, stating that it shows his campaign is gaining strength in the final weeks leading up to Election Day. He described himself as the 'underdog' and the 'change candidate', emphasizing that Pennsylvania wants to turn the page from Casey's long tenure and the 'radical extremism of Biden-Harris'. McCormick cited historic inflation under a Democratic White House and Senate, the fentanyl crisis 'killing communities across Pennsylvania', and the Democratic 'assault on fossil fuels' as reasons for his rising poll numbers.
Despite the change in rating, the Cook Political Report still predicts that Democrats will hold the Senate. The Pennsylvania Senate race is considered crucial as it is arguably the most important 2024 presidential swing seat. The election results will be closely watched as they could potentially impact the balance of power in the Senate.