, Columnist
Fear and Loathing and Money in Pennsylvania
An imbalance in political spending is likely to set the pattern for many campaigns this fall.
Democrat Conor Lamb on election night.
Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The special election in the 18th congressional district of Pennsylvania this week will have mirror opposite effects on the two parties.
Democrats, enthused by victory in a district that voted for Donald Trump by almost 20 points in 2016, will contribute more money and time to Democratic candidates. Republicans, alarmed by a potentially disastrous cascade — loss of control of the House followed by two years of public hearings into Trump’s malfeasance followed by more electoral trouble — will call on corporate benefactors and wealthy donors to increase funding to stave off defeat.