Joe Sestak: I "Intend" To Challenge Specter In Primary

Rumors that Rep. Joe Sestak, (D-PA) intends to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) in the Pennsylvania Democratic primaries have been confirmed, TPMDC reported today. The site received a handwritten note from Sestak to a supporter asking for donations. Sestak's sister, Meg Infantino, who works for Sestak for Congress, confirmed the report.

Specter is planning to run for re-election next year after recently switching parties to avoid a primary challenger in the Republican field.

Sestak confirmed that he intends to throw his hat in the ring in a conversation today with Wolf Blitzer on CNN's "The Situation Room." Said Sestak:

Wolf, I personally have made a decision that I intend to get in this race with one other item. I haven't sat down and had the time to sit down with my 8-year-old daughter or my wife to make sure that we are all ready to get in.

Sestak emphasized that he is not worried about clashing with the White House, although President Obama has thrown his weight behind Specter and has vowed to campaign for him. Sestak noted that he had not been contacted by the White House and expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's decision to line up behind Specter:

As I said weeks ago, Wolf, I was disappointed that the Washington political establishment had decided to anoint someone for Pennsylvanians. And so I said I would wait and listen. And I've spent the last weeks going around Pennsylvania to see if others felt like me.

Sestak also appeared on MSNBC's "The Ed Show". Watch the video:

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Comments

[masha2008]

btw, cnn did not credit tpm for the scoop. how dis.honest of you, candy crowley.

[TrueBlueMajority]

Good. Run, Joe, Run. Keep Specter "I did not say I would be a loyal Democrat" honest!

[DuVal Dem]

I was hoping Joe Sestak would run against Specter. I'm a florida democrat, but will help wherever i can to defeat Specter. I wrote a letter to Rep. Sestak's office a few weeks ago urging him to run against Specter in the primary.

I hope the good democrats of PA. will show Specter the door and elect Joe Sestak the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.

[Skeptiqone]

Open an office, so we can send money!

[rinpochet]

I just found his online site and donated there.

[ChelseaC]

give us a link!

[jubei]

Well as an african american livin in Chicago iam more than will to support Joe Sestak as well,GO JOE!!!

[NotMcCain]

Brave man. Yay! Thank you.


Because, if nothing else, this will put PRESSURE on Specter to step up and ACT LIKE A DEMOCRAT>

Now, if someone could only pressure REID......­.

[rinpochet]

Who really cares how Specter "acts"? PA deserves a REAL Democrat .. SESTAK!!!

[fourex]

Thanks Joe

[LemonMeringue]

Slam dunk!

[Malkin71]

Not even close.

Specter will still be favored without some real money and support behind Joe Sestak.

Lots of old people who have voted for Arlen Specter for years and will continue to do so. There will be a governor's race on the ballot in 2010, so the turnout will be high.

Support Sestak.

[LemonMeringue]

Sestak will get money and support from all 50 states.

Start working for him now.

The old people who have voted for Arlen for years must be thoroughly confused by his recent chameleon stunt. He is neither a good Republican nor a good Democrat, and it is not clear what he stands for other than himself.

[cdub1991]

Unfortunately, Sestak sounds like sleestack. Darn Hollywood.­..

[TJCole]

Good, go for it Congressman/ Admiral...­God's Speed...!

[cyoohoos]

Sorry, Specter. I've switched allegiance­s....

[absolutetruth09]

Im from PA,Its time for a Republican here.I want the least amount of Democrat/C­ommie/Soci­alist(what­ever they have turned into).in my state.We are workers up here,not whiney cry babies.

[Martampa]

You have been drinking the GOP kool aid.

[cyoohoos]

I'm from PA. And you're ideas are fading fast. Thank God.

[Malkin71]

Thank you.

[Mixpixlix]

I was disappointed that the WH threw its support to Specter so soon after his defection from the GOP. As noted above and else where Specter is only interested in keeping his seat in the world's most exclusive club. I doubt the founding fathers ever envision a member of Congress holding on for 30 or more years.

Of course, the voters share some of the blame, but seldom is there a qualified candidate like Sestak to challenge an incumbent. I wish Mr. Sestak well and we be absolutely joyous should he wrest the seat from Specter.

I do wish we had more than two parties (often hard to tell which is which). I think that would mute the fierce partisanship that gets us no where year after year.

[tel8034]

Has it ever crossed your mind that the White House knew that there would be a Pennslyvania democratic primary in which Specter would LOSE?

The Specter defection left the republicans in a daze, and the White House took advantage of the "political gift".....­......... it was priceless seeing the rethugs stammer, sweat, and try to worm themselves from under their embarrassment over the defection.

Specter's defection also forced the MSM to report on the erosion of the republican party, and voila, we learnt that only 21% of the voting population consider themselves republican­s........ More grief for the rethugs.

The rethugs then went into damage control with their ONE TIME ONLY "listening tour", which Limbaugh cut off at the legs, and the republican civil war heated up.

Meanwhile the real goal was clouded by all of the negative commentary about Obama backing Specter, and the President cooly and calmly sits back and watches the plan unfold.

In the end the Obama administration wins ..........­....... The republicans are deflated and Specter loses the primary...­..........­....

Specter can't get upset because President Obama "publically" backed him (wink, wink), the democratic base in Pennslyvania increases because of the primary and their distrust of Specter (they have to ensure that Specter's challenger wins), and the democratic party with its increased base goes on to win the general.

[johnnygoodwud]

specter,,,­,,,,,,,hap­py trails to you, until we meet again.....­......neve­r