Palin bounce gives hope to down-ballot Republicans

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: Getty Images PhotoPennsylvania Republicans think the enthusiasm generated by vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin could boost grassroots support for local GOP candidates, particularly in state House races that will determine whether the party recaptures the majority in the legislative body.

Al Bowman, spokesman for the House Republican Campaign Committee, said the level of enthusiasm Palin has brought is unlike anything he's seen since he entered politics in the early 1990s.

"There's definitely an energy out there that wasn't there before," Bowman said. "In my time in politics, I can't remember anything like it."

The excitement matters because it can translate not just to more votes, but perhaps more importantly, because it can turn once complacent supporters into high-energy volunteers who can knock on doors not just for the presidential ticket, but also for local candidates.

"That gives you a boost you can't get from a TV spot or some of the mass mailings," Bowman said. "It's just something you can't quantify.

"It also helps your election-day efforts," Bowman added, "which are critical in state House efforts."

One western Pennsylvania candidate said he's seen the benefit first-hand.

"I think definitely we've seen a huge spike the last two weeks," said Jim Christiana, whose running against state Rep. Vince Biancucci (D-Beaver County) in the 15th Legislative District.

"To be successful as a state legislature candidate, the grassroots is vital," he said. "Sarah Palin's addition to the ticket has been a huge help."

Christiana might need only a little extra help to beat Biancucci -- he lost by little more than a percentage point when the two ran against each other in 2006. Any victory for a Republican state House candidate could be crucial for the party as it tries to overcome its one-member disadvantage.

Christiana said Palin's inclusion, and presidential nominee John McCain's track record of reform, also strengthens his message of bringing change to Harrisburg -- a main theme of any Pennsylvania candidate's campaign in the year of "Bonusgate."

"More than anything more people are talking about reform," Christiana said. "People are just tired of a culture that continues to abuse the taxpayer. They're really looking for people to restore integrity."

Republican state House candidate Jason Davidek echoed those remarks, saying Palin's track record strengthens the image of Republicans as reformers.

"If somebody asks me my opinion, that reform message resonates not only on the federal side, but in Pennsylvania," said Davidek, who faces state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny County) this fall.

Palin's small-town appeal could particularly appeal help candidates in western Pennsylvania, such as Davidek and Christiana, said Mike McMullen, a volunteer with Melissa Hart's congressional campaign. He's already seen the enthusiasm bubbling among volunteers since returning from St. Paul, Minn., he said.

"With Governor Palin on the ticket, it only helps candidates because she resonates with small mom-and-pop issues in southwest Pennsylvania," McMullen said.

But for all their enthusiasm, Republicans need to know Palin's presence alone won't carry them very far, according to Pennsylvania political pundit Chris Borick, a professor at Muhlenberg College. It's a plus, he said, but far from what he thinks will become a deciding factor.

"If I was lower on the ticket in a state House race, and I was banking on Sarah Palin delivering the type of energy necessary come November, I think that's a bit of reach," Borick said. "Energy in August for a vice presidential pick probably won't be the type of thing come November that will have a big impact."