Forum Dems - Who do you want in PA?

[Keystone Phil]

This should be fun.

[Lief 🗽]

Not Arlen Specter.

[Franzl]

I'll vote in the Democratic poll here.

I support Arlen Specter. Funny enough though...I endorsed him in the Republican Primary and the general election against any Democratic challenger, so I don't see any reason to change that support now.

[Keystone Phil]

Not Arlen Specter.

Who do you prefer of the two likely challengers?

I understand that many would prefer someone other than Sestak (though I imagine he's popular with the type of Dem crowd here) or Torsella but I think those are the only two you'll get to challenge him.

[Eraserhead]

What are some major differences between the other two guys? I really don't know that much about either of them.

[Landslide Lyndon]

The only thing I know about Sestak is that he is rather abrasive towards his staff.

[Lief 🗽]

Sestak is something of a New Democrat/DLC type, isn't he? I don't know anything about Torsella except he's one of Rendell's guys.

[Scam of God]

Which of them is more socially liberal? Whoever it is, That One.

[Keystone Phil]

The only thing I know about Sestak is that he is rather abrasive towards his staff.

Which is odd because when I met him he seemed like one of the most genuinely kind people I've ever met in politics. Then again, he's in politics so he knows how to act. 

Sestak is something of a New Democrat/DLC type, isn't he? I don't know anything about Torsella except he's one of Rendell's guys.

Eh, I've always thought that Sestak claimed to be progressive and has always had a following among that crowd.

Which of them is more socially liberal? Whoever it is, That One.

Sestak

What are some major differences between the other two guys? I really don't know that much about either of them.

Sestak is more openly progressive but has a better way of hiding it (as a military man).

[Lief 🗽]

Sestak is something of a New Democrat/DLC type, isn't he? I don't know anything about Torsella except he's one of Rendell's guys.

Eh, I've always thought that Sestak claimed to be progressive and has always had a following among that crowd.

Ah, that's good. I was worried that, since PA-07 is a majority Republican, suburban district, that we was one of those types.

I also worry that Torsella couldn't win a statewide race, as he's never even been elected to anything.

[Keystone Phil]

Ah, that's good. I was worried that, since PA-07 is a majority Republican, suburban district, that we was one of those types.

A lot of RINOs and moderates down there.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Torsella is a mixed bag. Yes, the fact that he hasn't won a race is a negative and we're not exactly sure how well he can run statewide. That being said, when he ran in PA 13, he was the candidate that appealed to my area best - the populist types. That being said, he's not a social conservative so it's not like liberals would stay home in November. I guess he's not worth the risk though.

[Smash255]

Sestak

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Arlen Specter, as an R and as a D.

[TeePee4Prez]

If Arlen switches on EFCA, I'd stick with him.  If not, Joe Sestak.  I'm not giving Arlen a free pass either.

[Lunar]

Anyone who's not Arlen Specter would be a far more reliable vote.  Predictability makes for efficiency.

He may have sold his soul for Obama up to 2010, but what can Obama give to him to ensure his vote three years from now?  He's a wildcard after the election and I'd rather take a chance with a Democrat.    He'll demand billions of earmarks in exchange for his vote and so on.

But for now, it's fine

[JSojourner]

Former Admiral Sestak.  I'd be tempted to donate to his campaign.

I welcome Specter to the party, mainly for the same reason I am glad Evan Bayh and Mary Landrieu are Democrats.  At least they caucus with us and vote for Democrats for leader.  Now, Specter will.  (Of course, if Senator Specter is the butthole Phil says he is, I might be wrong...he could screw us over royally.)

So far, Sestak has done nothing but impress me.  And Pennsylvanians who should know have assured me that rumors of his "hot tempered outbursts" are dramatically overstated. 

Besides, as a human being, I simply want Arlen to retire and enjoy his remaining years.  He cannot be a well man and should have a few years of ease before shuffling off this mortal coil.

[True Democrat]

Specter, but I would've changed registration to vote for him in the Republican primary, so I don't really care what party he runs in.

[RosettaStoned]

Sestak sounds good to me.

[HappyWarrior]

Sestak, we need another vote for the EFCA.

[Ebowed]

Sestak sounds fine.  Though I do love Specter for basically confirming that Pennsylvania is now a solid Democratic state.

[Keystone Phil]

Sestak sounds fine.  Though I do love Specter for basically confirming that Pennsylvania is now a solid Democratic state.

I don't think a Senator elected as a Republican and assisted by the Republican party for thirty years suddenly switching his personal registration "confirms" that the state is "solidy" Democratic.

[Ebowed]

Sestak sounds fine.  Though I do love Specter for basically confirming that Pennsylvania is now a solid Democratic state.

I don't think a Senator elected as a Republican and assisted by the Republican party for thirty years suddenly switching his personal registration "confirms" that the state is "solidy" Democratic.

Except that the fact that the PA Democrats are going to clear the field for this guy, which he would have known before agreeing to switch, means he is basically assured of winning the general election against any conservative Republican.

The PA GOP wanted to get rid of its RINOs.  Luckily for us, they have also gotten rid of any shot they had at keeping that Senate seat.  Pat Toomey is not going to be Pennsylvania's next Senator.

[Keystone Phil]

Except that the fact that the PA Democrats are going to clear the field for this guy.

That may change...

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Ok, keep acting like you know it all so far out.

[Ebowed]

Ok, keep acting like you know it all so far out.

Of course I'm not discounting that something improbable could occur.

But right now, it is exactly that - improbable.  The way Specter has handled this situation indicates pretty strongly to me that the GOP does not currently have a winning formula in Pennsylvania.  That can change, but it would seem the GOP will have to make some adjustments as well.