But is Rep. Sestak a “true progressive”?

As a 7th District constituent, I have a real doubt that Sestak would get out of the primary with Lentz. Even if he did, he has no shot against Meehan. Sestak is learning that not every press publication will treat him with velvet gloves the way the Delaware County Daily Times does. Sestak got elected as an unknown with a military background during the time of a hugely unpopular war. That shine has long ago worn off.

Tammy-
I’m sure Meehan is soiling himself over the possibility of facing Sestak and his $5 million war chest. Sestak could re-enter the 7th district race and cease all fundraising activities, while Meehan would have to spend all his time fundraising instead of campaigning.
But, Sestak’s ego won’t let him back out. He made too big a deal pretending his campaign was about principle (rather than his own desires) and showing a lot of fake outrage over Specter.
You are right about Sestak not being a strong candidate. He’s definitely a hard worker, but he mostly spins his wheels with an inefficient, Mom & Pop organization. So, it’s a lot of wasted time and energy.

flynn-
Nope.

7thIndy-
I don’t see Lentz backing down from a primary against Sestak. In 2006, Lentz was new to the game and Sestak’s 3-stars were still shiny. Now, Lentz has an experienced team (pound-for-pound better than Sestak’s staff) and a good reputation. There are a lot of people (not me) that keep quiet about Sestak. In a primary, a lot more stories would come out.
Losing his seat in a primary would be particularly devastating to Sestak’s ego. He can brush off the Specter win, but being beaten by Lentz would be the icing on the cake, ending Joe’s political career.
By avoiding a primary, Joe could “pretend” about any outcome he wanted.

I think there’s plenty of historical evidence to suggest no one should listen to T.J. Rooney when it comes to elections. Not exactly a glowing track record.

Of course Rooney is going to say that. The Democrat Party establishment is trying their damnedest to clear the way for Specter. Remember, they didn’t want Specter challenged to begin with.

Tammy, I wholeheartedly agree with your statement “If Sestak were to win the nomination, which is looking increasingly unlikely, it would be because Specter lost it, not because he, Sestak won it.” That is how Sestak won the Congressional seat in the first place. Unfortunately for every citizen of PA07, Sestak’s ego will never let him admit this to himself, and will surely never allow him to admit defeat against Specter.

If Sestak were to drop out of the Senate race and Lentz were to challenge him in the primary, it would be my honor and pleasure to help Lentz defeat Sestak.

Sestak won’t run for his House seat because loosing to Lentz in the primary would harm is fragile ego.

Even if Sestak won the primary, “Mr. Law and Order” Meehan will clobber the “unprincipled” Sestak in the general election.

Fascinating how little support Representative Sestak seems to command in this and other forums. One would think that those in his camp would occassionally voice their opinions. But of course, their enthusiasm has undoubtedly waned in recent weeks.

Hater-
Underpaid and overworked doesn’t generate enthusiasm.
However, since I’ve been publicly criticizing Sestak, the strategy has been to ignore and dismiss. I’ve been attacked plenty. However, I posted under my own name and challenged every BS claim they made about me. Rather than throw down with me, and increase eyeballs reading my arguments (and me revealing more substance/layers, like emails), they gave up.

If you came out, under your own name, and confided in Dan privately your sources, you would have some credibility.

Tammy-

I agree w you. Sestak should get out. Much better article than your hoeffel piece in which you contended everyone from western pa disliked gay folks or were closet haters.

Kudos. I agree w your political logic and intel here.

WestDem-
Everyone from western pa doesn’t disliked gay folks? Really?
I got confused by Onorato’s opposition to gay marriage.

If he’s not representative, then he shouldn’t elected to represent.

Onorato concerns me. He’s gotten too much money, too quickly, and it looks like Rendell pay-to-play politics. He’s terrible on gay rights and women’s rights. I don’t trust him to help Philly with it’s gun problems and enacting laws within the city boundaries (where there is no hunting).

Onorato looks strong against Corbett with resources, and picking up conservatives, but I don’t know what kind of baggage (skeletons) he has.

Onorato… to pick up conservatives? Youd better select Wagner for that task. Not supporting gay marriage does particularly preclude that anyone dislikes gay folks.