Pike goes a bit purple as ballots are split

MILFORD - The old-timers said you could always count on “the three R’s” in Pike County, rocks, rattlesnakes and Republican voters. Pike voters put a favorite Republican son into the state House Tuesday, and supported a new Republican state senator, but they also voted for three Democrats. Running unopposed, County Treasurer Mike Peifer became the new 139th District member of the House of Representatives. Republican state Senate candidate Lisa Baker won Pike (56%-44%), defeating Democrat Bob McNamara (59%-41%). But incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood lost Pike (52%-48%) and the election to Democrat Chris Carney (53%-47%). Incumbent 189th District Democrat John Siptroth won Pike (51%-49%) while winning the district over Republican challenger Donna Asure (54%-46%). Pike also picked Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell (53%-47%) over Republican challenger Lynn Swann, who was defeated (60%-40%) statewide. Democrat Bob Casey Jr. defeated incumbent U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (59%-41%) statewide, but won Pike (52%-48%). A statewide ballot question for a $20 million Persian Gulf veterans compensation fund won state wide (61%-39%).