Here is a reality check for fiscal conservatives: Pennsylvania voters are not opposed to cutting government spending. They are opposed to vague promises that sound like campaign slogans. I ran a study with six Pennsylvania voters to find out what lower taxes and less government spending actually means to people on the ground.
The verdict? Show me the line items, or save your breath. Voters want specifics, not bumper stickers.
The Participants
Six participants from across Pennsylvania: a 5-year-old in Allentown, two rural 13-year-olds, a 19-year-old rural dad, a 52-year-old Pittsburgh project manager, and a 71-year-old rural logistics coordinator. What united them? A deep scepticism of political promises without receipts.
When Voters Hear Lower Taxes, Less Spending
Claudia, 71, rural PA: "It is a bumper sticker until they show me the math. I run a business, so yes, red ink bugs me. But you do not starve plows, bridges, Medicare, and rural broadband just to hit a number on a postcard."
Matthew, 52, Pittsburgh: "A bumper-sticker promise to balance the budget is a red flag. If you cut fast without specifics, you get shutdown games, broken services, and higher long-term costs."
Levi, 13, rural PA: "When I hear less spending, I picture our school budget getting frozen, slow Wi-Fi forever, the bus still squeaking, and coach buying cones out of his own pocket again."
What Voters Will Protect at All Costs
Social Security and Medicare - That is earned, full stop.
Kids healthcare (CHIP) - My boy stays covered, fertig.
Public schools - Teachers, aides, buses, arts, band, counseling.
Rural infrastructure - Roads, bridges, EMS, volunteer fire, broadband
SNAP, WIC, school meals - Hungry kids cannot learn. Period.
Where Voters Would Actually Cut
Corporate welfare and bailouts - If you break it, you buy it.
Defense bloat - Kill programs without a clear mission fit.
Consultant contracts - Charging wild fees to make PowerPoints no one reads.
Politician perks - Fly middle seat like the rest of us.
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania voters are not opposed to fiscal conservatism. They are opposed to vague promises that feel like TV talk. The market opportunity is real for candidates willing to do the work: name the cuts, protect the essentials, and show the math.
View the complete study: Club for Growth Voter Research Study