Rep. Joe Sestak to Chalenge Arlen Specter

May 27, 2009 by Jeff · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Politics 

TPM is reporting that Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) is privately telling supports that he intends to challenge newly minted Democratic incumbent Arlen Specter:

“He intends to get in the race,” says Meg Infantino, the Congressman’s sister, who works at Sestak for Congress. “In the not too distant future, he will sit down with his wife and daughter to make the final decision.”

The move would constitute a primary challenge to Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), who intends to run for re-election in 2010, after having switched parties earlier this year.

Earlier today, a Sestak volunteer and contributor received a handwritten note from Sestak himself, announcing his intent to run and asking for a contribution. The source provided TPMDC a scan of the letter:

The note says, “I am writing you as especially dear supporters to let you know I intend to run for the U.S. Senate…my candidacy’s credibility will have much to do with my fundraising success by the 30 June FEC filing deadline at the end of this quarter. Would you help me bring the change for the future we Pennsylvanians need[?]“

Arlen Specter is an difficult position politically he’s percieved as to “conservative” for many on the left and to “liberal” for many the right… At first glance Rep. Sestak seems to be facing an uphill fight just on name recognition, but if he can garner a enough support from the netroots Sen. Specter could have a real fight on his hands in the Democratic primary.

Still it’s a long shot, Barack Obama promised to support Sen. Specter when he switched parties… I not sure Rep. Sestak can overcome Specter’s incumbency advantage and the opposition of a popular president. The netroots just aren’t that influential.

If nothing else Rep Sestak’s challenge should make Specter sweat a little.

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