May 27, 2009
Posted: May 27th, 2009 07:11 PM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak told CNN Wednesday he intends to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in a Pennsylvania Democratic primary pending a discussion with his wife and young daughter.

"I personally have made a decision that I intend to get in this race with one other item," Sestak told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on The Situation Room. "I haven't … had the time to sit down with my eight-year-old daughter or my wife to make sure that we are all ready to get in."

Earlier Wednesday, CNN's Candy Crowley confirmed Sestak has informed supporters he intends to run and is seeking to fundraise for the bid ahead of the second quarter filing deadline in June.

In his interview with CNN, Sestak said he is not deterred by the fact President Obama and congressional Democrats have already aligned behind Specter.

"I was disappointed that the Washington political establishment had decided to anoint someone from Pennsylvania, and so I said I would wait and listen," he said. "And I spent the last weeks going around Pennsylvania to see if others felt like me."

Sestak also said he has not received a telephone call from White House officials asking him not to run. But the congressman added that he has traded messages with New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, who oversees the Senate Democratic campaign efforts.

The Pennsylvania congressman also gave a potential preview of how he might take aim at Specter, the longtime Republican who switched to the Democratic Party earlier this month.

"It's whether Arlen will fight for the right issues,” Sestak said. “Democrat or Republican. He helped derail health care plans without an alternative in the '90s. Maybe he's changed, but I'm not sure we can take that chance. We have to ask the question, ‘Will he be with the right policy that our president presently has put out there to retool our economy and health care and education through 2016.’"

Filed under: Arlen Specter • Joe Sestak


David v. Goliath? Should Joe Run? : NO QUARTER   May 31st, 2009 12:30 pm ET

[...] (an FEC quarterly deadline) to be more forthcoming about his plans, although he recently stated on CNN that he also needs to discuss the matter fully with his [...]

PA-SEN/FL-SEN: The Game-Changers | News Fu   May 31st, 2009 12:09 pm ET

[...] you say health care reform? "It's whether Arlen will fight for the right issues," Sestak said. [...]

THE PRESS ROOM: Another PR coup for Sestak | pa2010.com   May 28th, 2009 10:51 am ET

[...] had blasted the story to reporters. Soon enough, Sestak was popping up on cable news, first "intends" to run for Senate. Within moments, the story was ricocheting across the blogosphere. Less than 30 minutes after [...]

Rep. Sestak Planning to Join Pennsylvania Senate Race « S E N A T U S   May 28th, 2009 10:12 am ET

[...] in a Pennsylvania Democratic primary pending a discussion with his wife and young daughter,” Political Ticker reports. "I personally have made a decision that I intend to get in this race with one other [...]

LiveBlog for Thursday, May 28, 2009 | Stephanie Miller   May 28th, 2009 6:44 am ET

[...] Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) announced last night that he intends to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in a Pennsylvania Democratic primary pending a discussion with his wife and young daughter. Share [...]

Pioneer from Austin   May 28th, 2009 12:12 am ET

To Arlen-- Your treatment of Anita Hill is something I found disgusting and will never forget.
I will be sending Mr Sestak money.
Your only redeeming quality was you were not a Democrat. Now that you have switched over AGAIN. Time for you to retire.

Felonious Monk   May 27th, 2009 11:30 pm ET

I hope Sestak wins.
I hope Pennsylvania see through Specter.

This would make me happy.

LCK   May 27th, 2009 11:19 pm ET

Do you think his wife knows now?

Gop   May 27th, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Well I think he have a great shot at beating him. Why would any one that calls their selves Democrats vote for a fake when here you have the real deal.

I think they be better off with a Republican but hey still a long time to go before all the players get to the dance.

Voter from the "T"   May 27th, 2009 10:48 pm ET

Why do Dems spend their “war chest” to scrimmage in Primaries when they can put it to better use in the General? Wonder where labor will be should this match-up become a reality? Can you say Employee Free Choice! Good luck gentlemen, because someone will be singing Little Anthony’s hit “I’m on the outside-looking in”.

Larry   May 27th, 2009 10:33 pm ET

Hey Sestak ...

You've already lost ...

Go home and play dead until we might need you ...

Your 15 minutes of fame are over ...

Neilz   May 27th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Specter won't be able to withstand a challenge from Sestak. The Party will sit back and let them spar until it sees who's going to bring in the most money. Once it's clear all the new Democratic blood and the old moderate guard support Sestak, Specter will bow out gracefully. Or as graceful as a turncoat can be. The Democrats need Sestak. They know it. Sestak knows it. After Specter fulfills his turncoat obligation on Judiciary, he'll get the message, too. One way or the other.

Brandon   May 27th, 2009 9:58 pm ET

Joe is currently my representative in the 7th PA. He is awesome. He's got my vote in the primary and the general. He was at my school twice last year and is a really down to earth guy with a fabulous resume and no doubt aspirations to follow President Obama in 2016. And he would be a fine choice. Specter is done. He is Democrat, and has been one for years since the gop stopped allowing sane people a voice in their caucus, but he is old and hiw time is past. GO JOE! the Admiral is a great candidate for '10.

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   May 27th, 2009 9:47 pm ET

Joe Sistak is a REAL Democrat, unlike Spector, the DINO (Democrat in name only). Most people should be wary of Spector because he might change yet again.

willow   May 27th, 2009 9:38 pm ET

Hey dude, run! The more names in the pot the more interesting the race.

penpol2000   May 27th, 2009 9:25 pm ET

He betrayed those that sent him to washington and will do it again if it promotes his interest...neither party can trust him and the people of Pa should know not to place their hopes or vote in a self serving career politician...throw the bum out!

Terry   May 27th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

This guy is way not ready for prime time. He announces that he is going to run for the Senate, that he has spent months going around the state and assessing his support, and that he has not had a moment to consult his family yet. With the first words out of his mouth, he has angered every woman and every neglected daughter in the country.

What planet has this guy been living on for his entire adult life. I suggest a career in insurance sales rather than politics.

To bad. I would prefer a real Democrat to Spector.

DaBird   May 27th, 2009 9:02 pm ET

Please, would everyone vote out the crap in Congress. Our government is as corrupt as Mexico. Vote them ALL OUT.

Peter E   May 27th, 2009 9:00 pm ET

That must be the most pathetic phrase. Normal politicians just say 'I intend to win the race.' This guy is still just contemplating getting into the race. What a loser!

big papa   May 27th, 2009 8:55 pm ET

GOOD!

Specter's STILL a Repuglican't in my book...

...just like all the rest of those accursed Repuglican'ts...

...Sestak should wipe the floor with him...

...Remember, Specter sided with the Bush-Cheney-Limbaugh confederates...

...until he saw the handwriting on the wall...

...Repuglican'ts...

...you can't help but hate 'em...

David, LA   May 27th, 2009 8:52 pm ET

Way to tell them while they watch you on TV.
So considerate - you would do wonderfully in Congress!

gail   May 27th, 2009 8:44 pm ET

Yeah! Go Joe Go!

vegage   May 27th, 2009 8:42 pm ET

Yes, please get in, new blood is always good.

JON   May 27th, 2009 8:35 pm ET

This is AMERICA anyone can run and win good for him and good luck

Hans Brecker, Albany NY   May 27th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

He shouldn't be allowed to do that.........Biden guaranteed that Spector wouldn't have any competition in the PA race...that is just NOT fair to Arlen. I sure hope we don't find out that Biden lied.

lf   May 27th, 2009 8:15 pm ET

Welcome to the race Rep. Joe Sestak. PA deserves the BEST in a Congressional race of two strong candidates. Fresh Ideas and great representation is the real need now. Hats offs to these who have served in the past and are serving now, but it is TIME for a real change to come into the Senate as you with an agenda of the people, by the people, and for the people.

GO TO IT JOE SESTAK-TO BECOME THE NEXT US SENATOR FROM PA WHO WILL LISTEN TO THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS AND THE GOOD OLD USA!!!

Specter is kaput....   May 27th, 2009 8:13 pm ET

Arlen is a snake in the grass who cannot be trusted...we're happy he's in the Obama camp because THEY will have to watch their backs...

The people of Pennsylvania will NOT elect a Judas--you win Joe!!!!

Chuck   May 27th, 2009 8:05 pm ET

This is the best news of the day! Pennsylvania and Democrats, in general, deserve a to have a tried and true democrat elected to the Senate rather than to rally behind Specter. Democratic congressional leaders are out of line for rallying behind Specter. GO SESTAK!!

skyhawkdriver   May 27th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

In the long run arlen is going to realize he made a mistake..the mistake is that he didn't name himself an independant..he wasn't going to win the republican primary..he isn't going to win the democratic primary either..oh well arlen..you get what you deserve you turncoat..maybe you can get a job as obamas' official teleprompter holder

FreeNLovIt   May 27th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

Excellent! He's lived his time. It's time to elect someone new.

Joanna   May 27th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

Joe we love you BUT the money that we will waste on a primary will cut into the money we need to fight toomy. Please re think!

Grrr-awful-o   May 27th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

... and thus closed the short, but distinguished chapter on Arlen Specter's democratic party career...

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