The Cook Political Report today announced a downgrade in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, moving Representative Pat Meehan’s race from Likely Republican to Lean Republican. The piece noted Meehan’s damaging committee vote for the Republican Repeal & Ripoff bill, and highlighted the strong Democratic field.
“This ratings change shows once again how vulnerable Representative Meehan is ahead of next year’s election,” said DCCC Spokesman Evan Lukaske. “The strong Democratic field, and Rep. Meehan’s inability to accomplish anything in Speaker Ryan’s do-nothing Republican Congress, make Meehan ripe for replacement.”
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The Cook Political Report noted:
PA-07: Pat Meehan (R) – Southeast: most of Delaware County
Lean Republican. Meehan, a former federal prosecutor and Delaware County DA, hasn’t faced a credible or well-funded opponent since he first won this seat in the 2010 wave, but that’s likely to change in 2018. Hillary Clinton won this district 49 percent to 47 percent in 2016, and although Meehan voted against the AHCA, Democrats will try to attack him for voting to advance the healthcare repeal package in committee.
State Sen. Daylin Leach, a former stand up comedian who fell short in a bid for next-door PA-13 in 2014, is running as a Main Line progressive and has experience raising money. Non-profit executive Paul Perry, who was born to an incarcerated mother and subsequently adopted and raised by two fathers, could attract support with his powerful personal story. It’s promising, but still uphill for Democrats given the expensive of the Philadelphia market.