Spring doesn’t start for two months, but bi-partisanship is in bloom in Washington and Harrisburg. Politicians talking of working together has been rare but several recent examples indicate the conversation is starting to change.
Newly elected Senator Dave McCormick used his time during Marco Rubio’s confirmation hearing to ask the secretary of state nominee for his help in returning Mark Fogel from imprisonment in Russia. Then, Senator John Fetterman said he’ll get together with McCormick to work for Fogle’s safe return.
President-elect Donald J. Trump invited Fetterman to a meeting at Mar a Lago and he accepted. Responding to critics of his visit, Fetterman said he was elected to represent all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats.
State Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa says he has a strong relationship with Republican Senate President Kim Ward and wants to work with her to pass bi-partisan legislation.
Finally, in a few days a new caucus with members from both parties in the state House and Senate will begin working to make the Commonwealth more competitive.
All of this adds up to produce a promising trend and evidence there are at least a few people who want to abandon tribal politics.