Article snippet: The TAKE with Rick Klein More than $10 million, a visit by President Donald Trump, the mobilization of the GOP army … all to buy a tie? It’s not just any tie. Republicans fought to almost (but not quite) even in a district Trump carried by nearly 20 points in 2016, and where Democrats had stopped bothering to even field House candidates in recent cycles. Plus, the district won’t even exist this time next year. Whether Conor Lamb assumes a seat in Congress is almost secondary at this point. He already showed that that red can turn purple and purple can turn close to blue, in the beating heart of Trump country — even if that gets done while keeping distance between candidate and national party. As Republicans pick up the pieces – and ponder the prospect of spending more money on Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District if Rick Saccone wants a recount – they will know well that there are easily 100 House districts that are likely to be more competitive than Pennsylvania’s special election had any right to be. Republicans kept it closer than they feared. But that fear will only spread as the implications of this race are felt. The RUNDOWN with MaryAlice Parks The big questions now: Which party, if either, has a bigger claim to unions and blue-collar workers writ large? And did Democrats last night find their footing or at least a mold for winning in Trump country? Special elections are weird, a unique snapshot of a particular place and time. But c... Link to the full article to read more