They are Gov. Tom Ridge and Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum. There is also Penn State in the middle of the state and the University of Pittsburgh. The Democratic party in Pennsylvania has the misfortune of not holding any of the highest state offices at this time. The party focuses on trying to make a difference on important issues like education, health care, family needs, crime, and environmental concerns. The issue of education is a huge concern among representatives of the party.
Democrats are strong in their belief of much financial support for public education.
The party feels there is a need for more support to help rebuild poor school districts in the state. Democrats have a strong desire to forge greater public educational commitment. They point to the state s 47th rank out of 50 in higher education appropriations per capita. Democrats do not look upon a school voucher system as an answer. They look to greater emphasis on public education as an answer.