Casey looks for voters in conservative Lancaster County

KIMBERLY HEFLING
Associated Press

MOUNT JOY, Pa. - Amish farm country isn't always friendly turf for Democrats. That didn't stop Bob Casey from paying a visit Friday in his campaign to unseat Sen. Rick Santorum.

Casey, wearing jeans and a white polo shirt, started his day at a Lancaster County dairy farm where about 30 residents sitting on hay bales politely asked tough questions about farmland preservation, the war and immigration.

The state treasurer calmly answered each one. Then, during one pause, he smiled, and asked, "Anybody have any advice?"

Casey is on statewide tour talking about the changes he hopes to bring Pennsylvania and trying to link Santorum, a two-term Republican, with President Bush and big oil - even in Republican strongholds where Santorum has historically done well.

"I think it's very important for me to begin at least a dialogue with voters in parts of the state where I might not get their vote," Casey said in an interview. "I think it's a sign of respect for people. ... Even those who don't vote for you are entitled to the kind of respect you should show during a campaign."

At the dairy farm, some in attendance privately acknowledged they are Republicans, but came out of curiosity and out of friendship to farm owner Alex Hartzler, a Democrat.

Nevin Dourte, 49, of Manheim, challenged Casey during the question-and-answer session to not be a politician who says things just to get elected.

"Are you willing to pledge to us today that if you are put into office, that you will support and work for the best interests of the state regardless of what that does to your re-election?" Dourte asked.

Unflustered, Casey said yes. He said it's a matter of character and accountability.

"Thank you for the question, and also for putting me on the spot publicly, because now I've got to hold my end of the bargain," Casey said.

Dourte said later he has voted for Santorum in the past, but is open to the possibility of voting for Casey. A few others said the same.

Casey's opposition to abortion and other conservative positions could make him more appealing to fence-sitting Republicans than some Democratic candidates.

"I wanted to introduce my neighbors and friends to a new kind of Democrat," said Hartzler, the farm owner. "I think he has appeal across party lines."

That seemed to ring true with Dan Ranck, 59, another farmer. He told Casey, "You're from good stock. I'm glad you're pro-life. Many people from Lancaster are."

Ranck later said he wasn't quite sure who he would vote for in November.

Casey next traveled to the central market in Lancaster with his wife and four daughters. At several stands, he pulled out his wallet, purchasing cookies, shoofly pie and a yellow-colored soda he joked later made him look like he was campaigning holding a beer.

He thanked one merchant for showing him a photo of his father, the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, shaking hands in the same market.

Then, he moved next door to a restaurant where he answered more questions.

"Sometimes you have to have the guts to be independent of your party," he told reporters.

http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/15094154.htm