Dems see gains against fractured Chester County GOP

Primary elections in Pennsylvania are basically private events hosted by the respective political party. Under the state's closed-primary system, registered Democrats and registered Republicans will pick their fall candidates on May 19.

One of the main roles of the party chairman, both at the county and state level, is to avoid costly and potentially divisive infighting among candidates in their own party.

In this regard, Chester County GOP Chairman Joseph "Skip" Brion has failed.

A lot of attention has been given to the divided Republican Party in neighboring Montgomery County, where GOP turncoat Jim Matthews and former party chief Ken Davis have done irreparable damage to the party in recent years, opening the door for Democrats. A similar pattern is emerging in Chester County.

Brion is hurting the GOP in Chester County by allowing primary challengers against two incumbent Republican county row officers. Nothing good will come out of the races. Half the voters will go away mad and may not support the winner in November, helping the Democrats in the end.

Because of Brion's inability to show leadership, incumbent Chester County Treasurer Alan J. Randzin is facing a primary challenge from Ann Duke; and incumbent Clerk of Courts Teena A. Peters is being challenged by Frank McElwaine.

The Republican Party has been playing defense for most of Brion's tenure and primary fights will only weaken the party at a time it needs a united response to the growing threat from Democrats.

Chester County Democratic Party Chairwoman Michele Vaughn likes her party's chances against the once-dominant GOP.

"It's been refreshing to see how our party has come together," Vaughn told The Philadelphia Inquirer

More from the article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

For years, Republicans faced little or no opposition in Chester County, a GOP fortress. However, the political landscape has changed.

Figures released last week show 149,842 registered Republicans and 125,728 Democrats, according to the county's Voter Services. A year ago, there were 147,257 Republicans and 111,916 Democrats. Ten years ago, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by a 2-1 ratio.