Schumer won’t allow Dave McCormick at Senate orientation, citing outstanding PA ballots

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has come under fire for not allowing Senator-elect Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania to attend Senate orientation in the coming week. Despite the Associated Press projecting McCormick as the winner of the Pennsylvania Senate race, Schumer’s office cited outstanding ballots in the state as the reason for not inviting him to orientation.

With over 100,000 ballots still to be counted in Pennsylvania, Schumer’s spokesperson stated, “The race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.” McCormick’s campaign has declined to comment on the matter.

Several Republican senators, including NRSC Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., criticized Schumer for denying the election results and blocking McCormick from participating in Senate orientation. Thune emphasized that McCormick is the new senator for Pennsylvania and called Schumer’s actions unacceptable.

The Pennsylvania Senate race was called by the AP on November 7, with McCormick holding a lead of more than 30,000 votes over his incumbent opponent. However, Casey’s campaign did not provide immediate comment on McCormick not being invited to orientation.

Critics have raised doubts about Casey’s ability to make up the difference with the remaining outstanding votes. Pennsylvania Republican strategist Mark Harris mentioned that the votes for Casey to win are simply not there, given the current circumstances.

Schumer’s office also shared that Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has not been invited to orientation either, as the Arizona Senate race is still ongoing and has not been called by the AP. It was noted that Sen. Al Franken did not attend orientation in 2008 due to the close nature of his election, although his victory margin was significantly smaller compared to McCormick’s lead.

Even a member of Schumer’s caucus, outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., referred to McCormick as the senator-elect, highlighting the importance of his presence in the Senate. Manchin’s occasional divergence from the Democratic caucus underscores the significance of McCormick’s role in the Senate.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to await the final results of the Pennsylvania Senate race before making any definitive decisions. Schumer’s handling of the orientation process has sparked controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Stay updated on the latest developments in the 2024 campaign trail for more insights and analysis.