A quarter-century ago, Bucks County Democrats rallied around the Pump. Or, rather, voters’ disdain for it.

Plans for a pumping station on the Delaware River so riled residents that protesters, led by Abbie Hoffman, were arrested daily. Some mounted an unsuccessful recall campaign against a local judge who ruled on the Point Pleasant project.

But the biggest shocker came in November 1983, when Democrats won control of county government, boosted by voters along the river who crossed party lines over the Pump.

Today, no issue looms to stir such passions and so sway the loyalties of Bucks County voters. But as the May 15 primary nears, Democrats say their candidates will have the best shot in two decades at winning a November majority on the Board of County Commissioners.