Political theater in Montco produces ovation for Democrats

Democrats have taken over the majority on the Montgomery County board of commissioners for the first time in a long time.  Tuesday’s electiion was the end of a campaign that was good political theatre.

The race featured a near-record amount of money spent on nasty ads.

In the end, Democrats – for the first time in more than a century – won majority control of the board. Josh Shapiro and Leslie Richards are the new commissioners.

Incumbent Republican Bruce Castor held onto third place; running companion Jenny Brown was left in the cold.

The minority party is guaranteed one seat on the three-member board.  Shapiro is a former state representative; Richards a Whitemarsh Township supervisor.

Voter Leo Helmers, of Gladwyne, says no matter who’s “in,” what lies ahead is daunting, in light of record-setting debt:

“You know we need to address revenue but we need to address services as well.”

Party leaders and politicos have been predicting that the party that won this year’s county race will have the upper hand in next year’s congressional election for the 13th District.