Sestak Responds to Specter’s Refusal to Debate in Each Media Market

By SESTAK FOR SENATE

MEDIA, PA – U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Joe Sestak released the following statement regarding Arlen Specter’s refusal to participate in a debate in each of Pennsylvania’s major regions:

“I have proposed a series of debates with Arlen Specter to allow as many Pennsylvanians as possible the opportunity to learn more about the clear differences in our positions. Specter’s campaign has suggested he will participate in only one public discussion.

“I understand that it is not uncommon for challengers to offer debates to incumbents. However, this is a time when people in Pennsylvania and across the country are calling for a new generation of transparency and accountability in government. That’s what Pennsylvania and the country voted for and what we, as Democrats, must deliver. So far we haven’t done so, especially in the current health care debate, and I have made my principles clear in calling for transparency in the final negotiations. We will not succeed in bringing urgently needed reforms to our country if we do not follow through on our commitment to restore integrity to government and the political process — and that begins with the basic duty of letting the people we serve know exactly where we stand.

“Like I did as a Congressman, we are only asking for a single debate in each media market. A debate in each of Pennsylvania’s six media markets is the only way to offer all Pennsylvanians and all local media the opportunity to see and cover the significant differences between the candidates and to also address issues of regional importance, such as dairy prices, Marcellus shale drilling, and I-80 tolling.

“A thorough discussion is especially important at a time when so many people have lost faith in our elected officials, public institutions, and democratic process because of the lack of accountability in Washington, DC. It is as much a matter of public service as an election issue. Throughout the campaign, Senator Specter has made widely conflicting statements. The people of Pennsylvania deserve to know where he stands. Like most of what Specter ‘traditionally’ did during his 30 years as a Republican Senator, his unwillingness to state and defend his positions has not worked for Pennsylvania. We hope that Specter will be willing to stand behind his record to all Pennsylvanians, not only those who live in one media market or who have access to a single cable network.

“Already, several media representatives have independently approached our campaign about the possibility of hosting a debate between myself and Senator Specter for the benefit of the public. In addition, organizations have come forward with invitations and one opportunity already available is on January 30 during the Pennsylvania Progressive Summit at the Sheraton Harrisburg.

“The people of Pennsylvania are right to demand honesty and accountability from their public servants, and deserve every opportunity to make an informed decision in the upcoming election. I look forward to participating in these and other discussions with Senator Specter.

“The next Senator from Pennsylvania will serve for the remainder of the Obama Presidency, and Pennsylvania Democrats must have an opportunity to determine who will best represent our values in the years to come.

“During this campaign, Arlen Specter has made many conflicting statements about his positions. When he switched parties, he presented a clear ideological position. He would remain as he has been throughout his career, an independent conservative, and illustrated this with his opposition to three progressive priorities: the health care public option, the Employee Free Choice Act, and Obama nominee Dawn Johnsen. After I entered the race, and Specter unexpectedly found himself in a serious primary, he has reversed himself on all three positions — including promising to support Professor Johnsen at my direct urging yesterday. After vowing not to be a ‘loyal Democrat,’ Specter — again, after I entered the race — has since suggested he will be a reliable supporter of the President. And yet, he has also said he continues to stand behind every vote he ever cast in nearly 30 years as a Republican Senator, including his 2,000 votes for President Bush, and will not be changing the way he votes in the future.

“If he wants to serve for another six years, Arlen Specter should speak directly to these discrepancies. Pennsylvania Democrats — and all voters — have a right to know that Specter has a record and positions he is willing and able to disclose and defend.

“I remain open to any terms that would accommodate Senator Specter and look forward to a forthright debate of the issues so all Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to be a part of it.”

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