May 3, 2009 at 11:27:39

Admiral Joe Sestak vs. Arlen Specter in 2010

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By Nicholas Smith (about the author) Page 1 of 1 page(s)

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For OpEdNews: Nicholas Smith - Writer

Here is my open letter to Congressman-Admiral Joe Sestak, encouraging him to launch his campaign for the United States Senate from the State of Pennsylvania.

Dear Admiral,

Sir, please run for the United States Senate. When I first heard the news about Senator Specter's party switch, I was elated, and even looked past his admittedly pure political calculus in switching. I initially supported him.

After a day or two, I more fully considered the long term implications of having Specter in the Democratic caucus. I started thinking, if the 60th Democratic vote can be used to fulfill the President's agenda, should we go half way on change, or all the way ? We must go all the way. I am not suggesting that you are anyone's "rubber stamp." No one would make such a ridiculous accusation of a three-star like yourself. But I know that you are in line with the mandate for change that the American people overwhelmingly voted for last November.

I understand that should you choose to run for the United States Senate, you could lose your House seat. I think this is a risk that you must assume. I do want you to become PA's next Senator. Therefore, I highly recommend that you announce your candidacy soon and align yourself with the President's agenda. Specter can't align himself with the agenda for change. The most he can give us is, as he said during his press conference, "some assistance" to the President.I disagree with President Obama's and Vice President Biden's coronation of Specter as the Democratic nominee. Why they would endorse a candidate who will support merely some of the change agenda, whereas they could support a candidate who is a better ideological fit remains a mystery.

Congressman, I encourage you to announce your candidacy for the United States Senate. Democrats across the country would help fund your campaign. You would certainly have my support.

www.smithonpolitics.com

Nicholas Smith is a former Commissioner for the City of Berkeley, CA. He is currently a law student in New York City, and blogs about the day's headlines at www.smithonpolitics.com

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