Joe Torsella Endorses Arlen Specter for Re-election

By ARLEN SPECTER FOR SENATE

Below is a statement from former Democratic Senate candidate Joe Torsella.

“I am announcing today my support for and endorsement of Arlen Specter for re-election to the United States Senate.

“I have known and worked with Senator Specter for nearly two decades, first when I worked for Mayor Rendell and later at the Constitution Center.

“Senator Specter has been a hard working, effective and honest fighter for Pennsylvania in the United States Senate.

“I know we share many of the same values, and with his decision to become a Democrat, I believe and hope that the Democratic voters of Pennsylvania will renominate him for another term of service.

In my own case, I decided to withdraw from the race following Senator Specter’s decision because, among other reasons, a primary challenge to Senator Specter as an incumbent Democrat would inevitably weaken our party’s chance in the general election in November 2010. And with the pressing issues of health care reform, economic recovery, education, the environment, and our national security at stake, I decided that now isn’t the time for the politics of personal ambition, but for the principle of putting Pennsylvania’s and the nation’s interests first.

In my campaign I spoke often of the need for new ideas and a new approach in Washington. In the weeks since I ended my candidacy, I have spoken at great length with Senator Specter and watched his work in Washington to advance the President’s agenda for change. I have become convinced that years of service do not preclude the ability to promote change; in fact, under the right circumstances, they enhance it. My conversations have convinced me that Arlen Specter will work hard to do just that on the issues most important to me and families across Pennsylvania

I am also proud that my party practices an inclusive brand of politics. We agree on core values but we are tolerant, as we should be, of differences and respectful of independent thinkers. By welcoming Senator Specter, we show that strength.

The bottom line is that Arlen Specter is smart, independent and gets the job done. He is one of the great assets of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

I unreservedly endorse Arlen Specter. He deserves to keep his job and Pennsylvanians need to keep him working for all of us.

–Joe Torsella

# # #

pa2010.com publishes press releases, statements and other information from campaigns and political committees. We also publish legislative releases from candidates considering higher office in 2010 and from incumbents holding those offices. E-mail releases to press@pa2010.com.