Northeastern PA in 1988

[Sumner 1868]

I notice while Dukakis did well in the southwestern coalfields, he did poorly in the northeastern part of the state despite it's heavy labor influence in towns like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, etc. Was crime a big issue out there?

[Podgy the Bear]

The crime issue was probably Bush's strongest weapon--making a significant impact in the Philadelphia suburbs.  And it helped him carry Maryland as well--plus he won Delaware in a big way.

For NE Pennsylvania, Bush's pro-life stance was popular and moved additional votes toward the Republicans.

In addition, John Heinz was easily re-elected as Senator, and he put as much focus on Bush's win in Pennsylvania as his own race.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

The Willie Horton ad helped Bush a lot in the suburbs.