Democrats rallying black voters in Philadelphia, and some see signs of progress

Aurelia Robbins, 42, said she's already riled up ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.

The South Philadelphia resident strutted home from one of several rallies hosted in her neighborhood this month, "Onorato for Governor" sign in hand, optimistic about her candidate's chance, even though he's trailed his GOP opponent, Attorney General Tom Corbett, in the polls all fall, including by double digits this week.

"If they keep doing what they're doing in the black neighborhoods, these people are going to support them at the polls," Robbins said.

In an effort to energize their base, Democratic candidates are taking to the streets, hosting rallies and speaking at local churches and community centers, paying particular attention to winning the black vote in Tuesday's midterm elections.

According to a report released by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the Senate race between Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak and Republican Pat Toomey, and the race between Onorato and Corbett are among 14 Senate races and 14 gubernatorial elections that could be swayed in Democrats' favor if black voters turnout in high numbers on Tuesday.

"The outcome is not as certain as many believe it to be," said senior researcher David Bositis. "The extent of Democrats' losses will depend on their ability to turn out their most loyal voters, and no voting bloc will be more important to them than African-Americans."

President Obama is spearheading this effort, having paid six visits to Pennsylvania - including three to the city - within the last two months.

Obama will attend a rally at Temple University today, and first lady Michelle Obama will be at the University of Pennsylvania Monday night.

G. Terry Madonna, director of the Daily News/Franklin & Marshall College Poll, says the president's frequent visits are no coincidence.

"In our state, African-Americans are about 10 to 11 percent of the total vote in many elections and perhaps 60 percent of blacks reside in Philly, which is why Obama is spending so much time here," Madonna said.

In 1998, black voters made an unprecedented turnout in the midterm elections, helping President Clinton and the Democratic Party gain control of both the U.S. House and the Senate.

In the 2006 race for governor, black Republican candidate Lynn Swann got only 13 percent of the black vote and suffered a devastating loss to incumbent Gov. Rendell. Saint Joseph University history professor Randall Miller says this type of loyalty by black voters is likely to remain with the Democrats next week.

"People who were caught up in the enthusiasm of 2006 and 2008 will probably be re-energized to come out and vote their interests," Miller said.

Joseph Gordy, 66, of Roxborough, said he'll maintain his loyalty to the Democratic Party.

"I'm going with the Democrats, I have to go with them," Gordy said. "It's the lesser of two evils."