Editor’s note: The views expressed by guest columnists are not necessarily those of The Costa Rica Star, its advertisers, or its staff

Political newcomer Conor Lamb – a Democrat — has two shots at becoming a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District, first in the upcoming March 13 special election, then again on Nov.6 for the nation’s mid-term elections nationwide. Democrats are hoping to win this one and let it be first in a coming “Blue Wave” to retake control of the U.S. House later this year.

President Trump won this southwestern Pennsylvania district by 20-percentage points in 2016 drowning Hillary Clinton. This district has been a Republican stronghold for years.

If Lamb, 33, wins next week he would be fulfilling the remainder of eight-term Republican Rep. Tim Murphy’s term, who resigned in disgrace last October due to mistress problems and a wife. If Lamb loses he can keep his campaign organization in place and just keep going until the mid-terms to secure his first elected office.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Rick Saccone is running against Lamb. Polls show Saccone with a 3-point lead over Lamb but Lamb has raised five-times as much money, according to news reports and Real Clear Politics. But lately Republican sources are pouring millions more in TV, radio and print advertising campaigns — fearing a loss here would be embarrassing, but if Saccone wins he would need to run for reelection in November and Lamb would have to run against him again. This political situation is unusual to say the least.

President Trump has made one campaign appearance with Saccone and has promised another. Vice President Mike Pence has also made appearances with Saccone.

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) is scheduled to appear Tuesday with Lamb. For the Democrats to regain control of the U.S. House in November they must flip at least 24 GOP-held seats. A Lamb victory in Pennsylvania would mean one down with 23 more to go. But if Lamb wins next week he’ll have to face Saccone again in November.

Lamb was a federal prosecutor in Pittsburgh before becoming a political candidate. He also was a commissioned officer and attorney for the U.S. Marines in Okinawa. He comes from a political family. His father is the current city financial controller for Pittsburgh and his grandfather was Pennsylvania’s House Majority leader, according to Wikipedia.

Saccone, 60, has been the Pennsylvania State House since 2011. He is a former officer in the U.S. Air Force working in the Office of Special Investigations – counter intelligence. After the Air Force, Saccone worked as a civilian for the U.S. Army during the Iraq War as an interrogation consultant at the Abu Ghraib prison, according to Wikipedia.

Candidate Lamb describes himself as a moderate ‘pro-choice’ Democrat willing to work with Republicans, while Saccone is a feverish Trump supporter, advocate of gun rights and ‘pro-life.’

As far as total experience goes Saccone is by far the most qualified, but Lamb’s not a bad choice either. Smart younger guy new to politics verses a seasoned pro. This election is being viewed as a show of Republican strength prior to the mid-terms. A loss here would indeed be embarrassing for President Trump and the Republican National Committee. As usual the outcome of this election will swing upon voter turnout and determination. Who wants this win the most will probably win it. The polls are close enough for both parties to wake up and get moving.

“This is an important election for everyone in America, not just Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R) Sunday morning on Fox News.

Local polls show no mention of polling Independent voters – only likely voters — and it is they who will determine the outcome of Lamb Vs Saccone on March 13.

About the Author Britt Nelson relocated to Costa Rica in 2011 from Florida, where he served as news editor for the Palatka Daily News, a newspaper owned by the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group (NYT-RNG) for 20 years.

Nelson served the NYT-RNG for 18 years in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida as a correspondent, reporter, staff writer, senior staff writer training new reporters, copy editor, page designer, editorial writer, editorial page editor and editorial board member.