Sept. Jobs Report and Election Impacts

As the election approaches, and the results seem ever-increasingly determined, I thought I’d use this post to underline a major area of Pennsylvania concern, which has had a dramatic influence on politics. The September jobs report shows that PA unemployment remains unchanged, sitting at 5.7% above our nation’s 5.0% average. As much of PA’s historic economy has relied on mines that have recently took a hit over the last couple of years in favor of cleaner energy solutions, many people have lost their jobs. This has had a greater impact on this election because the Obama administration (and therefore the Democratic party) has been a main proponent of this change. Because of this, many people who normally wouldn’t vote are more likely to vote, and the intensity among these voters are higher than normal.

 

Another trend within PA that can be observed is the shift in population from rural to urban areas. This also presents another problem because, as outlined in the Sept. jobs report, total non-farm jobs decreased by over 5,000. This trend of urban vote has impacted election results because these voters typically vote in favor of the Democratic party.

 

http://www.politicspa.com/september-jobs-report-unemployment-rate-remains-unchanged/79451/