Ned Lamont Joins Joe Sestak’s Call for a New Generation of Leadership

By SESTAK FOR SENATE

MEDIA, PA – Standing on the steps just outside Independence Hall, where our founding fathers declared their independence as a nation and signed our Constitutional rights into law, former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Ned Lamont declared his public support for Congressman Joe Sestak to become Pennsylvania’s next Democratic Senator. Ned is one of the only Democratic challengers in our nation’s history to overcome an incumbent Senator in his party’s primary, having defeated Joe Lieberman for his party’s nomination in 2006. At the event, Ned rallied supporters to continue the call for Democratic voters to decide their Democratic nominee.

“I came to Philadelphia this week because what we did a few years back was just the beginning of a cause, which calls on us to ensure that we are represented by Democrats with the courage of our Democratic convictions,” Ned said. “Through Joe’s service to our country in the Navy and his service to Pennsylvania in Congress, Joe has shown leadership in delivering on the change for which we all campaigned. That is why I am very proud to endorse Joe Sestak to be Pennsylvania’s second Democratic Senator.”

Over a hundred people braved the chilly weather to help celebrate Ned’s endorsement of Joe Sestak for the U.S. Senate. Ned Lamont was introduced by Sam Durso from Philly for Change, a progressive group that is affiliated with Democracy For America, which backed Ned during his 2006 Senate run. While drawing parallels between the two campaigns, Ned noted one key difference – Pennsylvania’s sore loser law, which prevents the long-time Republican, Senator Specter from running as an independent if he loses the Democratic primary.

Despite the cool temperatures, Joe came out to a very warm reception. He graciously accepted Ned’s endorsement and explained why he is a Democrat and what his vision is for Pennsylvania’s future.

“During my 31 years in the Navy, I saw how important it is that we invest in people – in education, health care, and jobs,” Joe said. “That is why I ran for Congress. That is why I campaigned for Barack Obama. And that is why I am running to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. And if we work hard now – knock on doors, make calls, and show up to vote – I believe that we can make good on that promise of the American Dream for America’s next generation.

“Arlen Specter and I disagree on the issues. His votes to have tax loopholes that ship jobs overseas, to support the Bush tax cuts — of which 53 percent went to the wealthiest one percent — and to support Bush’s undermining of the Clean Air Act. A change is needed.”

Like Ned, Joe continues to put his core principles ahead of political convenience. Joe is only the second Democrat to represent his district since the Civil War. In the Presidential election, he helped President Obama take on those in Pennsylvania, namely Senator Specter, who thought McCain and Palin were the “better choice.” Specter, who admits to switching parties for political reasons, spent his career as a Republican campaigning in support of Republicans like Rick Santorum, George Bush, and Sarah Palin. Now, like Ned Lamont before him, Joe Sestak is one of the only Democratic challengers in the nation willing to take on the political establishment in the Democratic primary.

During his remarks, Joe added, “if the establishment had it their way, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama would not be President. Once again it is time for a new generation of leaders who will put principle over politics for the good of Pennsylvania.”

Joe and Ned followed up the Independence Hall rally with a nationwide conference call with reporters. The two elaborated on the Democratic primary and what it will take grow support in the face of political establishment resistance. As a small business owner who opposed the Iraq War, Ned focused on what Democrats can do at home.

“We’re talking about a public choice for affordable health care, a new energy bill that will provide new jobs for millions of people, and economic policies that prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow and ensure that workers get the chance to negotiate fair wages for a full day’s work,” Ned said.

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