Poor Joe. This is a huge loss for the Egomaniac formerly known as Sestak. What a poor showing for the soon to be former congressman. Winner: Arlen Specter.

Unable to command support in Chester County. Representative Sestak’s impotence and powerlessness has never been more evident. Where is the “grassroots support” he supposedly enjoys? It never seems to materialize, does it? Probably because it simply does not exist. There is no ardor or enthusiasm for this charlatan’s ill-considered candidacy. A notable Republican (who shall remain nameless) recently lamented that Sestak had not emerged as a force to be reckoned with, and voiced surprise. He, like countless others, had grossly overestimated both Sestak’s appeal and his capabilities.

And Sestak himself continuously makes the same error in judgment. Now, he appears to harbor the belief (ridiculously) that he can somehow defeat Senator Specter, the White House, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) and all the other forces arrayed against him. Retreating into his mental bunker, the frantically plots his next self-destructive move. Meanwhile, the forces of the enemy are poised to enter his capital city…

While it’s no Waterloo, this doesn’t really bode well for Rep. Sestak. Perhaps it’s time to bow out and be a team player so the Dems can keep the 7th.

Wonder when Mr. Dworkin will relinquish his position? In the very near future, no doubt. The rationalizations and cognitive dissonance must be taking a huge toll. His mentally unbalanced (and increasingly unpopular) employer is lambasting the incumbent President and donning military uniforms at campaign events. Difficult to put a positive spin on such unfavorable developments. And Dworkin almost certainly does not welcome the prospect of being interrogated by federal agents. Better abandon the Titanic while you still can, Dworkin…

It’s funny to read all these comments as Specter was undoubtedly going to take the endorsement until one week ago. PA-7 holds a small portion of Chesco and one that is not very populated. Not saying that Sestak can claim victory here, however, relax people. We can vote for Republican I mean Democrat, wait! Is it Republican or Democratic Senator Specter? I’m so confused anymore.

I personally know that Specter didn’t come in thinking they had the endorsement, that is why they were there. I was there, voted for him and have been called by fellow committee people and his staff in an honest and engaging manner (unlike Joe’s campaign). They worked hard and were able block it. Sestak claims strength here, he came in here with his admiral of the fleet jacket but by the end of the vote, his home political fleet was comprised of the SS Pinto and a Rowboat full of interns.. After all, it is Sestak who has been coming to us for years. This was only the second time I met Senator Specter and he comes across as a better person. It was Joe Sestak who always wants to talk about his daughter’s illness and the same old stuff, never much about policy and what he WILL do for us. By the way it was said that the State Committee vote was 5 to 3, not 8 to 3. Makes you wonder who is having memory issues Senator Specter or the Sestak campaign?

Oh wait is this one of our illustrious Chesco Committee people? Only the best County Committee in the state (no sarcasm what so ever). So here we have an individual that “personally knows,” first read my comment that stated UNTIL A WEEK AGO. I know the incompetent Chesco CP’s are getting very old and inactive but, please open your eyes. And yes our Republican/Democratic US Senator does talk policy such as his flat tax. I’m sure you think this is a great idea? Wait, do you even know what that is? The man had his wife up there in case he fell over, I love two-faced politicians as much as the next guy but, I’m also a Democrat and I believe in my values and know not to pick the one person who switched to save his job. While the real Democrat has risked his future to make a difference. But, your the CP so excuse me.

Sestak’s back to his tired old retread story about the kid and the catapult? Sestak used to tell that story back in 2006 and he took literally 5-10 minutes to tell it (even as the “last story” of the evening as people are trying to leave).
I completely re-wrote the story for him down to just over a minute and emailed it to him. It’s funny watching him bring it back up now as though HE has the courage to stand in front of a plane, like that 19 year old on the ship’s deck.
Sestak was supposed to stand up to Bush on Iraq, but he folded like a cheap suit.

Also, Joe’s in green-jacket mode again, playing off the honor of the military, rather than his own record.
Based upon the 39 votes for Lentz, I suspect Joe got all or almost all the votes from the 7th district. Dissent is not well tolerated.

Just a few observations:
1. How does Sestak not crush Specter in Chester County? It should have turned out like Lancaster County, it is in his congressional district, he caters to liberals and has been with these people for many years.
2. How can people say his part of Chester County is that tiny? It isn’t completely insignificant.
3. Shouldn’t Hoeffel have done better also?
4. How much more can Sestak spin things before they realize his campaign isn’t working out for him? Ditto when it comes to Hoeffel.

I personally think that the Chester result shows that Sestak needs to hang it up and run for Congress. Like another reader said, it wasn’t Waterloo but it certainly shows that Specter is organized and Sestak doesn’t have what it takes to beat Toomey.

I am hoping to see what Diano and others think.

Chesco Dem Comm Person: A “rowboat full of interns” indeed. The recent exodus of pivotal campaign staffers (including his Political Director and his Communications Director) has undercut Sestak’s already floundering Senate bid even further. If Sestak’s “grassroots effort” has such bright prospects, why have so many key staffers opted to exit the campaign? Perhaps the long-suffering Mr. Dworkin can explain this.

And you are correct – Sestak has exploited his daughter’s (tragic) illness to the hilt. It is deplorable. He should be ashamed – but this demagogue is incapable of shame. He will say anything, do anything, to satisfy his own narrow ends (and those of his ally, racketeer Wendell Young IV).

Jeff,
I know they didn’t think they had it in the bag for a number of reasons. When they called me, ontop of another committee person calling me, they wanted to talk, not just ask me where I am going. We talked about the issues and I was very impressed. They don’t resort to having fellow committeepeople call and make comments about Senator Specter’s health. When I told them that I was still undecided the Specter campaign asked me to seek them out on Saturday to talk. They also mentioned that no matter who I support that they hope to have my support if they win the primary. They even invited me to a conference call where Senator Specter was taking questions from Committee People. They are very classy. If they had the numbers would all of that been necessary? As for your comment about THE LAST WEEK, they certainly didn’t have the numbers then so where did you get that impression? As for being nasty about the CP’s role, I do canvassing, phone banking and volunteer time to help our candidates. I’ve been involved for about a decade and have never felt the way you feel about me or the other CP’s. Now that’s how I can tell you are a Sestak person. Wear your Sestak button proud buddy you guys certainly know how to win people over.

Chesco CP,

Well I will be joining you in the ranks of Chesco CP’s to hopefully help create a county party that can gain some respect. I have been a part of this community for 50 years and have failed to understand why the committee can’t ever stand behind a good candidate that can win. I applaud you in doing the job you signed up for, however, you are one in few. The committee is full of individuals who feel that their role allows them to not actually be involved. If you have ever worked on a campaign as a paid staffer you would understand that those people are ruthless. They are willing to say and do anything and this has obviously affected you. The one flaw that Sestak has is his entire campaign which is a shame. They are full emotionless and thoughtless individuals who care only about themselves. So listen buddy, the establishment which has supported Specter thus far is not meaningful. The average voter doesn’t care that your a CP or that this candidate or that candidate was endorsed. They don’t even care about this election and won’t for another two months. However, if there is one thing that is certain the true constituents know who Specter is and don’t trust him. All they know is that he will flip parties to save his ass. And if you honestly can’t admit that Specter is a Democrat because he knew he would not beat Toomey in a primary I feel really bad for you.

And to clarify, I’m not a Sestak person. I’m a Democrat that believes in the values of the party and can understand who has the best chance to keep the seat in November.

SEPA Guy: It is highly unlikely that Lentz will accommodate Sestak yet again. Sestak’s assets ($5 million war chest, the power of incumbency) are unquestionably outweighed by by his present liabilities (mounting unpopularity, the animosity of the White House, ill will from prominent Dems, staff unrest, ongoing federal and congressional investigations, links to nefarious labor racketeers, and of course, Sestak’s own severe psychological woes). Why would Lentz opt to abandon his campaign at this juncture? Lentz has a stellar record, is well-liked and well-respected. Sestak’s ill-fated Senate bid has exposed his many weaknesses. The Admiral’s aura of invincibility is long gone. Lentz will continue his campaign, and will resist any attempt to force him out. Sestak’s political career is over, and were it not for his delirium, dementia and mental decay, the Admiral would recognize this.

Jeff,
I couldn’t agree with you more on some of your points. There is dead weight in the committee and I look forward to seeing you on it to change it. Michele does a great job with it. I guess for many Dems the leap of faith is the trust issue. I don’t think Senator Specter is going to turn his back on us if he wins. He could be considered a big opportunist but I think he is a decent man who wouldn’t slap the President, Vice President and others important to him like Rendell in the face and vote against our agenda. But I can see where it could be hard for some Dems to believe him, especially those who have went against him for many many years. The Sestak flight jacket thing is becoming too much for me though. Is that even legal?

Jeff: The “average voter” undoubtedly wonders why Representative Sestak’s Political Director, Communications Director and other key staffers have abruptly abandoned him. The “average voter” no doubt wonders why Representative Sestak is lambasting the incumbent Democratic President of the United States, giving fodder to Fox News and the GOP. And the “average voter” almost certainly wonders why Representative Sestak has yet to address the rampant speculation that he is under FBI scrutiny. The “average voter” might be curious as to why Representative Sestak has yet to launch any political advertisements. Above all, the “average voter” wonders whether Representative Sestak has become unhinged, and belongs in a house of bedlam.

It is a shame that Sestak will end his career this way. He is a much better speaker than Patrick Murphy with better credentials. But in some way, he managed to squander all his political capital on this ill-fated run. There is obviously still time for things to change but if things haven’t been fixed and have been broken for sometime, it probably will never change. Specter is clearly the party choice and I feel bad that Joe was advised in such a manner that boxes him in and leaves him with the dubious honor of a has been and could have been.

I certainly hope that Congressman Sestak isn’t in trouble like some people are saying. He isn’t a terrible man. I was hoping he would run after Senator Specter completes another term, or maybe even Governor or Auditor General in a few years. If he was smart he would drop out, convert that money into a leadership pac, campaign for senator specter, get to know the state better (supporting candidates and county parties), do some private sector work and come back in a few years. Maybe then his team will be ready for the prime time. When I left the convention today, Specter clearly had some momentum and I think it is time for somebody to really lean on Joe to think about the future. I will continue to work for Senator Specter because I feel he is the real candidate while hoping Joe sees the light.

SEPA Guy: Believe it or not, I concur. It is unfortunate that Representative Sestak opted to fritter away the enormous political capital he once enjoyed. He could have truly emerged as a champion of the common man. He could have genuinely committed himself to advancing the interests of the 7th District. But he was quickly overcome by narcissism, conceit and self-importance. His self-regard and vainglory drove him to commit unconscionable acts (which the public will eventually become aware of) and to align himself with disreputable characters like racketeer Wendell Young IV. Now, gripped by paranoid fears and phobias, Sestak is lashing out at the incumbent Democratic President of the United States. It is regrettable.

HateSestak:

Honestly my friend the average voter doesn’t care or know about any of that. Go ask the average voter if they have any idea about the investigation; they won’t. Go ask the average voter about Sestak’s staff they don’t care; lets be serious.

Chesco CP:

It will be nice to work with you as well and hopefully we will meet in person someday. I think it is tough for people who don’t read up on the issues to understand what Specter really stands for and I think this will be the only problem going forward. In all it will be fun to watch and people just need to be reasonable. The establishment has backed Specter but, that doesn’t really serve (IMO) as a reason to quit.

Jeff: The “average voter” does not “care” about Representative Sestak’s Senate bid at all. Public opinion polls have made that unequivocally clear. He has not generated any enthusiasm whatsoever – precisely why his ill-fated campaign is teetering on the edge of collapse. The “average voter” – and indeed his 7th District constituents – have seen through Sestak’s veneer of respectability. And they obviously have deemed him UNWORTHY of a U.S. Senate seat. Delusions of grandeur alone are insufficient to triumph in a political campaign. And all Representative Sestak has at this juncture are delusions of grandeur. He does not command popular support. Nor will he muster any. His fantasy, his pipe dream, has ended calamitously.

Whats the deal w the navy jacket….

He ditched his suit coat to wear a flight jacket from what I think is his battle group. He never takes it off either. Makes me wonder if all the traveling keeps him from wear clean and fresh shirts. Just kidding! It is in poor taste.

Oh and Jeff: The “average voter” will almost certainly “care” about the bribery allegations currently being probed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The “average voter” no doubt will be alarmed by the serious infringements of federal law being scrutinized by the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). I think you’ll find that there is only so much the “average voter” can stomach. The “average voter” will not cast his/her ballot for a lawbreaker. There is little, if any, popular support for Sestak’s Senate bid at present. Imagine how little there will be in the weeks to come, as information begins to surface. His piteous, pitiable interns aside, Representative Sestak will soon be reduced to nothing. A fitting end for a demagogue with no substance.

Sestak’s “flight jacket” is an interesting prop. There was a picture of Sestak arriving at his new Philly HQ, with the jacket in hand, as he got out of the car. Betcha he put it on once he got INSIDE.

Sestak’s too far gone to get back in the Congressional race. Lentz is the ENDORSED candidate, which means that Sestak’s name won’t be on any official sample ballots from the party or committees. Also, more than a few supporters of the Lentz campaign have enough “stories” about Sestak to bury him for good (they’re even worse than my stories about him).

Nope, Sestak’s got himself in a hole, and his only strategy at this point is to keep on digging!!

SEPA Guy-
Sestak has never truly understood how he won in 2006 as an underdog. Sure, the fundraising and hard work were all to his credit. But, there was a core of Delco Dems who fixed his mistakes and filled in gaps he didn’t know he had. He NEVER appreciated that or properly acknowledge it. He won in 2008 by steamrolling his very weak GOP opponent (and limiting him to a single debate in the afternoon with limited attendance). So, he didn’t need that support.
Now, he’s burnt so many bridges with the top people (and tons of ex-staffers) that he is incapable of realizing how fragile and incomplete his current infrastructure is, and can’t built structure in the rest of the state.
Don’t feel sorry for him taking “bad advice”. Quite the contrary, he’s ignored plenty of great advice.

Chester CP-
You are right about the Specter campaign being a class act. They were more help to local Dem campaigns in 7th district than Sestak was, as well as elsewhere around the state.
I got to meet them at the Obama event in Philly back in September. They were VERY professional and well run. (I discovered I had a few “fans” of my PA2010 writings.)

Sestak’s brother is a complete, selfish tool, and has zero people skills when it comes to offering genuine help. He’s totally arrogant when it comes to understanding that people he refused to help, will not help him when he asks.
In the past, the campaign internally has in the past referred to itself as having a cult mentality that staffers need to buy into to fit in. The pushy mentality doesn’t surprise me.
What you said about calls regarding Specter’s health matches something I heard Sestak’s campaign was doing out in Westmoreland. So, I’m not surprised at this point.
Actually, some of us are hoping he is in trouble, because we know him to be a terrible man.

Jeff-
The average person doesn’t know about any Sestak investigations any more than they knew Tiger was having multiple affairs or that John Edwards had a baby. But, once the news came out, their careers were over. If the investigation claimed by Hater proved true and comes to light, the charges alone (guilty or innocent) will bury Sestak’s career.

Jeff, sure, the average voter won’t care about Sestak’s staff. But, his staff problems put him at a distinct disadvantage against any candidate, especially someone with a staff like Specter’s.
Sestak and his siblings micro-manage the operation and can’t get (and won’t pay for) professional staffers who will “correct’ them. They can’t grow beyond a mom & pop operation.

Hater-
I reached out to that contact you send me. Thanks. No word back yet. I hope to get confirmation that an investigation is indeed taking place, found the charges credible, and is proceeding.

Here’s an OLD picture of Joe with his flight jacket:
http://www.smithbowen.net/linfame/sestak-cropped.jpg

Here’s a picture with the NEW jacket:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/430427056_c0c450fd1d.jpg?v=0

Our…friend is a little under the weather at present, Mr. Diano. He will communicate with you very soon. Fighting for truth and justice takes it toll.

The best thing is for Sestak to drop out and endorse Arlen. Then lick his wounds and take stock on his political future…if there is any.
Sestak would do better in the private sector.

The Sestak hate in these comments is astounding…and stinks to high heaven. I know all about Dave’s distaste for Joe, stemming from how he was treated professionally and pivoting from that to an overall grudge match against the Congressman, with all sorts of manufactured personal and political fault-finding. The other commenters, though, are also of interest. Because what they’re saying is so much the polar opposite of what I’m hearing from Democratic committeepeople in Montgomery County that I’ve got to question how many voices are actually behind these many comments. My best guess — two or three at most, all of whom have some vested interest (the top-down state committee, maybe, or perhaps the Specter campaign itself) in seeing the Sestak candidacy quashed.

You can argue about the personal qualifications of both Sestak and Specter from now until Christmas, but it doesn’t amount to anything. There is a bottom line here that Democrats need to pay attention to, or we will be suffering under a Sen. Toomey that’s light years more ultra-right than Rick Santorum ever was. Let that sink in and shiver at it. It could happen.

The simple fact is that Arlen Specter can’t win in November. He is a frail, 80 year old man who will ignite a firestorm of frenzy in Republican voters who now want to vote him out for turning his back on them. And as a 30 year Republican, he will not inspire anything like dedicated support in the Democrats who have watched him support the likes of Clarence Thomas and Anton Scalia on the Supreme Court.

PA Dems are being told by the party bosses that they HAVE to back Specter. If they buckle under, it will not only spell defeat in November, but it will pretty much doom any chance of grassroots power in the state Democratic party for years to come.

Bruce,
Well since we have a state committee to endorse, isn’t it insane that these individual organizations still endorse in races that have already been endorsed? I totally understand why a Sestak candidacy would go over well with the Montgomery County Democratic Committee. From Specter’s family ties, to running against Hoeffel, to campaign for the Republican candidates there. But I truely hope that Montgomery County recognizes what is going on elsewhere in the state when it comes to supporting Specter. There is a huge mountain for Sestak to climb and I don’t know if he is able to do it. As for the Sestak hate within this thread, yes there is some, but much of it was created by Sestak or Sestak’s people interaction. Most of it, at least what I write is a critique for others in the state to compare what they are seeing in their own counties, like you in Montgomery County. I think that is important, for people like Dan Hirschorn to read, since he is unable to be everywhere.

Bruce-
Though we disagree on Sestak personally, it’s a fair/open question who can better beat Toomey.
Personalities aside, I think Specter simply runs a more professional campaign. Also, Specter has been winning over Dems as evidenced by his approval ratings within the Dems having gone up. The conservative Dems in the West are more in tune with him than Sestak, and the people in Philly and the suburban Jewish community have backed Specter even when he was a Republican.
You are correct about Toomey being ultra-Right. Specter is better positioned to hold the center, because the moderates still won’t like Toomey.
If Sestak had a team of the same caliber as Specter’s, then his odds would be better. But he doesn’t. It’s amateur hour there.

Oh, and I DO agree with you that Montgomery county should have a separate endorsement vote, and not be bound to the State committee vote. I like Marcel, but his attempt to squash an endorsement vote at State committee hurt Hoeffel. Similarly, it looks weak to avoid an endorsement vote by the county committee. Of course, I expect that Specter will win such a vote, thus reinforcing the State committee vote.

Chesco CP-
Yes. Often, the Sestak’s are their own worst enemies when it comes to pushing people too hard, and then pushing them away.

Just remember my name is JOE SESTAK, that’s right JOE SESTAK, IN THE NAVY, I WILL SAIL THE SEVEN SEAS

Yes, Dave, as we’ve discussed before offline, it’s a tossup right now whether or not Montgomery County will even get a chance to endorse in this race. As you say (and I agree with 1000%), it would suck badly if we had our voice taken away like that.

Chesco Committee Person – Your comment reads like a manifesto from the State Committee, which I assume you are part of. This top-down, “we’ll tell you who to like and don’t talk back” attitude is completely out of touch with what our party is supposed to be about. In the case of Specter, it started in Washington, when Specter sought refuge from a sure primary loss to Toomey by jumping parties. In exchange for his vote, President Obama and the Democratic leadership promised clear sailing and full support in the 2010 election. But we, the party rank and file, made no such promise; ever since then, however, every Democratic leader, from Obama to Rendell to Rooney and our own Montgomery County chairman Marcel Groen, has leaned heavily on PA Democrats to give our love to this man who has stood for everything Democrats oppose for the past 30 years.

There lots of us out here who just aren’t buying iit and can’t wait to make our voices heard this May.

Bruce-
Specter’s record is a bit better than that (which is why he was so hated in the GOP, especially by the far right wing).
You can’t deny that Specter has been pro-choice, for stem-cell research, supported Ted Kennedy’s hate crime legislation, opposed Judge Bork, voted for Ginsberg and Sotomayor, didn’t vote to impeach Clinton (though “not proven” was a bit of a weasel), consistently supported minimum wage increases, etc.
Specter’s been a better Dem than guys like Ben Nelson and some other conserva-Dems.

Specter’s not an ideologue. Hundreds of thousands of disaffected GOP moderates switch from Rep to Dem in 2008 as we expanded the Dems while the GOP tried to be more “pure”.

Can you HONESTLY say that Specter is a better fit in the current GOP than the Democratic party?

Does anybody believe that even Sestak really thinks that Specter is a “flight risk” going back to the new GOP?

If Specter wins, it’s a signal to other moderates (elected and electorate) they have a place in the Democratic party instead of the GOP.

Dave, I thought that Arlen Specter was a frail, spineless weasel (you’re right, the word fits well) when he was a Republican. I see no reason to change my opinion just because he’s now calling himself a Democrat.

To me, that’s mostly what this primary is about. I would support almost any legitimate Democrat before I would back Specter. He is a Democrat for convenience, not by ideals, and I cannot abide that. I still believe that the Democratic Party stands for something and that it’s not just a generic political club you can join when it’s expedient for your Senate survival.

Bruce Bailey: Does a “legitimate Democrat” lambaste the incumbent Democratic President, giving fodder to Fox News pundits and right-wing extremists? No? Then you would agree that Representative Sestak is NOT a “legitimate Democrat” but rather an unprincipled charlatan. The Democratic Party does indeed “stand for something.” And Representative Sestak, by flagrantly and unnecessarily villifying the incumbent Democratic President, is jeopardizing Democratic ideals and objectives.

Joe Sestak is a vainglorious, self-interested, self-seeking demagogue whose sole aim is to safeguard his own interests. And at present, his primary interest lies in warding off the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Karl Jacobson: Your points are well-taken, but coercion and strong-arm tactics are the only weapons in the Sestak arsenal. Were Sestak a cerebral and rational decision-maker, he would forsake his ill-considered campaign and try to appease influential Dems. But Representative Sestak, you see, is non compos mentis. He is a deranged, unstable man. Nutty as a fruitcake, so to speak. And the fear of imprisonment is driving him even closer to the brink of total madness. So rather than attempt to assuage the powers-that-be, Sestak is attempting to blackmail them. He will bring his Senate bid to a close (and stop making imprudent remarks about the President), he warns, only if the White House and prominent Dems intercede with the Justice Department. Yes, it is “crazy.” But then, so is Joe Sestak.

Isn’t that right, Mr. Dworkin? Ready to relinquish your post yet? Don’t worry, you will be soon.

HateSestak — Your handle here says it all. As I stated above, I don’t know what axe you’re grinding (carrying water for the top-down State Committee, which will do anything it can — including seeding comment threads with libel, apparently — to make Joe go away? Or something more personal?) but you are way off the deep end. Joe Sestak has only had great things to say about this Administration, and he has been one of its staunchest supporters. In return, the Administration has done whatever it can to get Joe to quit this primary. I’m glad he’s staying in and I’m proud to support his candidacy.

Bruce Bailey: Sestak’s recent suggestion that the White House offered him inducements to withdraw from the campaign was hardly complimentary, and it has given ammunition to right-wing commentators across the nation. How, exactly, does this advance the causes you purport to believe in? Answer: it does not. Sestak, by making this (undoubtedly false) allegation, has single-handedly undermined the credibility of the incumbent Democratic President. Not something a steadfast Democrat – which you insist you are – would condone, now is it? And what was Representative Sestak’s motive in this instance, Mr. Bailey? Don’t know? That is entirely unsurprising.

Oh – and Mr. Dworkin? I wouldn’t use that phone if I were you. Never know who’s listening…

Bruce-
My opinion of Specter improved greatly after his stimulus vote, along with the understanding that he brought Collins and Snowe with him. It was GOP political suicide, because Toomey had been shooed out of the Senate race and was looking at Gov. That vote, was “unforgivable” in the GOP and they took Toomey off his leash.
Since then, I think that Specter has been a better messenger of Democratic points than Sestak.

You know that my opinion is that Sestak is someone who’s just “calling himself a Democrat”.
and that
“[Sestak] is a Democrat for convenience, not by ideals, and I cannot abide that.”

The GOP is making a [potentially] fatal mistake this cycle by calling for purity tests and running to the base, rather than the middle. Their hope is that the Left and the middle aren’t energized enough. But if people realize how extreme these guys are, they can real alienate themselves. The crazy “John Birch Society” is rearing it’s head at CPAC. Ron Paul won their straw poll with over 30%. Romney was 2nd with 22%.

The GOP’s answer to fixing their leaking boat is to make a bigger hole in the other side for the water to drain out.

Bruce,
I am not a state committeemember and I totally disagree with the fact that Specter has stood against us on everything for 30 years. If you believe that the Dems shouldn’t be a generic political club then why were you not harder on Sestak in 2006, he could have been a Democrat before then but wasn’t. Like everything else Sestak says, there is a cop out (military people should be independent). It seems like what certain Dems like Bruce are pushing is nothing more than our version of a purity test. I guess that’s why they have elected Hoeffel to every position but dog catcher in Montgomery County. Because the pool of candidates is quite slim once they get knocked out by overzealous committee people with one track minds.

Sestak a “legitimate Democrat?” Did I miss something? The man was a registered Independent for all those years. He only registered as a Democrat when it became politically convenient.

He’s also a carpetbagger. In 2006, Sestak had no real ties to the 7th District. He hadn’t live there in decades. He and his family were living in Virginia at the time. Sestak and his family still live in Alexandria, VA. In 2006, he rented an apartment in Delco for the campaign. After he won he purchased a house in Delco and rented it out to his brother. Sestak still lives in Virginia. He’s a $#%&* hypocrit to run for the Senate in Pennsylvania. If he truly cared about the people of Pennsylvania – why can’t he be bothered to live here!

Bruce-

You seem to conveniently follow Sestak’s lead in labeling state committee members as “insiders”… recklessly lumping the ones that even supported Sestak in that category.

Shows Joe does not hesitate to throw someone under the bus.

Hater – You obviously haven’t been paying attention to how Rahm Emmanuel runs things in the West Wing. If an offer was made — and I completely believe it was, it totally fits with the way Rahm does business — I say let’s hear about it. We can disagree with the White House without doing harm to the President. And if you’re listening to wingnuts, I’m beginning to understand where your whole personna comes from.

Chesco Dem CP & Chesco Dem — That’s a tired old argument against Sestak and it simply doesn’t wash. Even worse, it’s the same weak stick that Curt Weldon tried to wield in 2006 — you’re not aligning yourself with him, are you? The fact is that Sestak, although a registered independent, did admirable (pun intended) service in the Clinton White House and made some close political connections there. And his roots are strong and deep in this district, unless you’re going to begrudge his duty to his country.

WESTPADEM6 – State Committee members *aren’t* insiders??? Since when? And believe me, TJ Rooney knows how to count. That vote would not have happened if Sestak had a lead.

Bruce-
I’m not shocked or surprised that an offer was made. However, Sestak admits that the offer came to him “indirectly” (as is probably common). However, what is not clear, and is equally believable, is whether Sestak “indirectly” let it be known that he was interested in a offer. Also, when Sestak got is offer, did he find it insufficient and ask for more?

The “admirable” (pun continued) service in the Clinton White House is not so clear cut. It’s been my understanding since 2006 (when I still supporting Joe and handing out his lit at the polls) that Joe was ignominiously and harshly fired by Clinton, personally, in a dressing down that probably still makes Sestak wince. I heard that from a fellow poll worker whose son was working in the White House at the time.
After Joe left the White House, he went back to the fleet. This seems kind of odd to me, to go from a White House desk job back to the fleet. Seems like a step backwards.
While, I suspect Sestak would claim that he “missed the salty air, blah, blah, blah”, I’ve yet to hear an explanation of why he left the White House (or was forced to leave).

If you’re going to say how Clinton backed him in 2006, my counter to that is how Hillary worked Sestak like a dog in 2007 and 2008 anointing her campaign. Quid-pro-Joe.

Joe’s parents and siblings certainly have roots in the 7th district. But, Joe moved away when he graduated high school. He and his wife have a home in Virginia they bought some 12 years ago. She works in Virginia and dropped her PA registration right after Joe was elected in 2006.
Joe’s basically like Rick Santorum in this regard.
So, while Joe has some roots here, the tree was transplanted to Virginia a long time ago.

Bruce Baley-
“Tired old argument” – Sestak still doesn’t live in PA so how could it be either? The man only vists PA to campaign! He has no real roots here. And if ever became our Senator (GOD FORBID), we wouldn’t see him for another six years.

Sestak is a disreputable, unprincipled, hypocrit who doesn’t deserve his current House seat! And if I see another picture of him in that lousy jacket or hear talk about his daughter again…

Specter should have left the Rep party long before they left him. The moderate Rep party is gone in PA- just look at the right wingers who have infiltrated our school boards and are trying to control the State House.
Sestak is the weasel- using his daughter and the navy for all he can. He really should come up with some new stuff.
This Dem is voting Specter.

Jane, you go girl!!!!