GOP VP nominee Mike Pence to visit York County on Thursday

(York) — York County last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 1964, which isn’t expected to change in this year’s election according to a local pollster. That won’t stop the campaign of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump from making a stop in the area this election year, though.

Mike Pence, the governor of Indiana and Trump’s vice presidential nominee, will hold a rally in Manchester Twp. on Thursday.

State Sen. Scott Wagner said he was asked by the Trump campaign to hold the event.

“I’m pretty excited for him to come to southcentral Pennsylvania,” Wagner said. “Even though he has a backing [in York County], they [the campaign] realize it’s important for him to come in and personally talk to the people in the district and in the area.”

Wagner expects 1,000 to 1,500 people to attend the rally, which will be held at the Penn Waste recycling facility.

Charlie Gerow, a Republican strategist, said Pence’s appearance is a chance to solidify the Republican base in York County.

“It makes sure that Republicans who have not been sold on Trump get sold on Trump, and it generates excitement (among Trump supporters),” Gerow said.

Gerow sees Pence as the “ideal messenger” to Republicans not already sold on Trump due to Pence’s proven track record of governing. Wagner agreed.

“He’s a governor. He’s got experience… He’s a very calm and level-headed person,” Wagner said. “When people see him and have the opportunity to listen to him, I think they’ll have a lot more optimism towards the Trump-Pence ticket. Governor Pence balances the ticket.”

Joe Sacco, Republican delegate for the 4th Congressional District, said he’s excited for the event and hopes for Pence to talk about jobs during the rally.

“Pence will have a lot to say about how he made his state solid and how he can help us here,” Sacco said.

Thursday’s rally is the latest push by both parties to win over voters in a highly-contested state.

Trump visited Mechanicsburg in August and will appear in Chester Township, Delaware County later this month.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her campaign have made several stops of their own in the Keystone State.

Chelsea Clinton campaigned for her mother throughout Pennsylvania earlier this month, including stops in Johnstown, Carlisle and State College.

Hillary Clinton and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine stopped in Harrisburg shortly after the Democratic National Convention in July.

Democratic Party of York County chairperson Chad Baker said he is not aware of any scheduled visits by the Clinton campaign in the near future.

Gerow said the rally can be more than just a political event and is a chance to be a part of history.

“People will go, enjoy themselves and remember it for all of their lives,” Gerow said. “It’s a great opportunity. If nothing else, going to an event like this is pure Americana.”

If you go:

What: Rally for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee Mike Pence

Where: 3625 Mia Brae Drive, York

When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 2:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

More information and tickets: Visit the Trump-Pence campaign website

 

This story is part of a partnership between WITF and the York Daily Record.