Samuel Case, FISM News

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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one Pennsylvania’s largest newspapers, has endorsed Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz for United States Senate. 

“We believe Mr. Oz is the better bet for Pennsylvania,” the paper’s editorial board wrote on Sunday, while acknowledging an overall “ lack of substance during the campaign” that will force many voters to make a leap of faith on November 8th. 

The board expressed concern over Democratic candidate, Lt. Governor John Fetterman’s, lack of transparency surrounding his stroke and subsequent recovery. 

They argue the stroke “is not the issue,” but say Fetterman’s refusal to release his medical records is “troubling” and “suggests an impulse to conceal and a mistrust of the people.”

“Mr. Fetterman’s life experience and maturity are also concerns,” the board writes, noting the candidate’s lifelong financial dependence on his parents. They argue, as a result, Fetterman has, “little experience in holding real jobs or facing the problems of working people.” 

As far as Oz is concerned, the paper praised his focus on “poor urban neighborhoods,” and his moderate policy approach. 

“We’re encouraged that Mr. Oz is portraying himself as a unifier who will work with Democrats to get things done for Pennsylvania,” the board says, adding that “he has the potential to become an influential, thoughtful and independent senator.”

The Post-Gazette drew attention in 2020 when it endorsed former President Donald Trump, the first Republican presidential endorsement by the paper since 1972. 

As of Tuesday, November 1, the Real Clear Politics (RCP) polling average shows Fetterman with a slight 1.5-point lead over Oz, but RCP still projects that Oz will win the seat.