Montco can be the perfect training ground for national politics

Montgomery County has a larger population than Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. From its more urban areas which Cheltenham for its rural communities like Woxall, the county is an excellent training ground for aspiring politicians looking to make the leap to the national stage.

“If you can get support from the broad range of political views that exist in Montgomery County, which reflects the wide range of political views that exist in Pennsylvaniawhich in itself reflects broad view of political views in the United States — you’re likely to be well-educated and well-positioned for state and federal office, Castor said.

Shapiro moved on from Montgomery County politics and became Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 2017, nabbed the job Castor had held for a few months. He admitted that he found the job difficult.

Shapiro took on the role and eventually the office of governor in 2023. Castor said Shapiro has a knack for avoiding unforced errors and surrounding himself with knowledgeable people.

“If he has any weaknesses, I don’t know what they are,” Castor said.

Lawrence was appointed to the county board in 2017 to fill Shapiro’s vacancy. He still remembers the advice Shapiro gave him: Act like every year is an election year. This made it easier for Lawrence to eventually win his own election in 2019.

In the 20+ years that Lawrence has known Shapiro, he has come to understand his peer as a dedicated family man. He said Shapiro spends every Friday night with his family during the Sabbath. Lawrence said Shapiro brings those family values ​​and faith lessons with him. He expected Shapiro to enter the conversation to be Harris’ running mate.

“I’ve always called Josh the natural—like he’s a five-tool politician. He excels at public speaking, he’s politically savvy, he’s politically savvy, he’s a fundraiser, and he’s a relationship builder” , Lawrence said.

Although Dean is older than Shapiro, she often jokes that he is her mentor. When she was a legislator in Harrisburg, he often checked on her.

“It just showed a sweetness that he was concerned about this person who was older than him who was a first-time legislator, a real sweetness,” Dean said.

From his stance on taxpayer-funded school vouchers to his position on Israel, his path to the ticket is not without its share of obstacles. For some, his record is not clean. Castor said he would be surprised if Shapiro leaves the governor’s mansion for Pennsylvania Avenue. He doesn’t see Shapiro doing anything without planning it years in advance.

“He wasn’t going to make the shots,” Castor said. “Every other time he ever runs — whether it’s state representative, county commissioner, attorney general, governor — he’s the guy who runs the campaign and makes the decisions, and if he signs with Vice President Harrishe’s going to be second base, and I don’t think he’s cast for that kind of role now.”

However, he knows personally that when the White House calls, it’s hard to say no.