The nomination of former Wisconsin Representative Sean Duffy for Secretary of Transportation has unexpectedly garnered support from Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who has declared his intention to back the candidate, as Breitbart News reported.
In his X post, Fetterman announced the news and detailed a friendly meeting between the two lawmakers, where they discussed infrastructure safety and made a lighthearted reference to their respective football teams.
“I enjoyed meeting @SeanDuffyWI and expect to vote YES on his nomination,” Fetterman tweeted, adding a light-hearted touch to the political discourse by mentioning their discussion on football. “We agreed on many things, especially appreciating him quietly acknowledging the Steelers are better than the Packers.”
Sean Duffy, the nominee for Secretary of Transportation under Donald Trump, had previously posted, prompting this statement. Duffy had already said how much he had enjoyed talking to the PA lawmaker.
The nominee commented, saying “I enjoyed talking to @SenFettermanPA today! We didn’t quite agree on football, though lots to commiserate over lately in the NFC and AFC playoff races. We both know that safe roads and bridges in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin aren’t a partisan issue, but are a safety need for all Americans.”
On Tuesday, Fetterman of Pennsylvania spoke with FOX News' Special Report' anchor Bret Baier, who asked Fetterman why meeting with Trump's nominees for cabinet positions is "controversial."
"I'm open to hear from everyone, and I don't know why that's controversial," Fetterman said.
"And I also would like to remind everyone on the Democratic side, that's the way democracy works. Trump won, and now they're going to run the table, and so they get to pick those kinds of people, and if you don't have to agree with all of it, but I want to find a way to work together on a bunch of them."
I enjoyed talking to @SenFettermanPA today! We didn't quite agree on football, though lots to commiserate over lately in the NFC and AFC playoff races. We both know that safe roads and bridges in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin aren't a partisan issue, but are a safety need for all… pic.twitter.com/QFwqLxybko
— Sean Duffy (@SeanDuffyWI) January 8, 2025
Fetterman and Duffy's conversation highlights the possibility of bipartisan cooperation on infrastructure issues; both states are concerned about their outdated transportation networks.
The pragmatic approach to government exhibited by Fetterman—a Democrat—in supporting a Republican nominee demonstrates a focus on the interests of the community rather than party lines.
Many people in political and social circles have taken issue with Fetterman's outspoken position on Duffy's nomination.
While some see it as a welcome diversion from the heated political climate, others worry about what it could mean for party allegiance and campaign tactics.
The incoming administration's legislative agenda may see increased bipartisan cooperation as a result of this engagement.
