Case Study: 2014 PA SD-40

Mark Aurand

Stanford Campaigns’ research exposed opponent’s flip-flopping and forced him to explain his record.

In 2014, our client Mark Aurand ran against Mario Scavello, a state senator in Pennsylvania. Our candidate was able to get earned media based on our research on Scavello's record on abortion, budget, and taxes. We found evidence that Scavello had supported major tax hikes and spending cuts to education. Additionally, we discovered an old questionnaire Scavello answered where he indicated that he opposed abortion in all instances. Our legislative research showed he also flip-flopped on an ultrasound bill, which caused him major problems and forced him to spend time explaining his record.