Who does the lack of attention benefit? I’d say McCord underperforms and Mann overperforms, but maybe not to the point that it makes a difference.
The biggest factor in the race for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer may not be any of the four candidates, but the high-profile presidential battle at the top of the April 22 primary ballot.Five-term state Rep. Jennifer Mann of Lehigh County, the only woman in the race, sees the potential for a coattail effect working in her favor if Clinton’s candidacy draws a large turnout by women.
‘‘It’s made it difficult to get attention,’‘ said John Cordisco, a Bucks County lawyer and former legislator who is among the candidates. ‘‘It’s taken all the wind  out of the room.’‘
Rob McCord, a retired venture capitalist and the only treasurer candidate to air TV ads so far, said he anticipates collateral benefits from the presidential campaign advertising.
McCord's on the air in western PA
I’ve seen a lot of TV ads for McCord recently out here in western PA, but nothing for any of the other candidates. Given the low profile of this race and the major candidates being from the eastern part of the state, I’d say this will give McCord a pretty fair advantage with the voters out here.
pd
Ensuring the public trust is not the same as trusting the public
I’ve long wondered what is gained by electing treasurers. I suppose that there might be some virtue in not empowering the governor to appoint one as is the convention of the general government and those of many other states, but the public seems unlikely to ever be interested enough to choose among the candidates carefully and mindfully of the needs of the office. I am hesitant to decry the present practice outright as I have not thoroughly investigated the facts of the matter, but I will assert that I am inclined against it.
Top Ballot Position Matters
Advantage Cordisco
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