By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com
Joe Sestak and Arlen Specter took the gloves off Friday night during their first debate.
The two Democratic Senate candidates, sitting side-by-side, traded at-times sharp criticism during a roughly 30-minute session that featured questions on health care, Iran and women’s rights. The debate was hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee Women’s Caucus at the party’s winter meeting and was attended by about 100 committee members and activists.
Sestak, in particular, aggressively criticized Specter after nearly every one of the questions, which were asked by members of the Women’s Caucus. He highlighted the senator’s support of the Iraq war and and President Bush’s tax cuts while emphasizing that U.S. Senator Scott Brown’s (D-Mass.) election in January showed that voters want change in Washington.
“I may not be the best of politician, but I promise you this: I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party,” said Sestak, who represents the 7th Congressional District.
Specter acknowledged Sestak‘s aggressive tone during his closing remarks.
“I’ve taken quite a few barbs,” the senator said. “I’ve seen Congressman Sestak talk more about me than policy.”
Specter then turned the tables, asking Sestak to “explain why he missed 127 votes” during his time in congress.
“I’d prefer to discuss issues … but I thought I’d inject that myself,” the senator said.
Sestak responded that Specter himself had the Senate’s fifth-worst voting record.
“I’ll compare my voting record for Democratic principles, any day, any time,” Sestak said.
Tags: Arlen Specter, Joe Sestak
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Don’t underestimate how angry people are with “career politicians” Party endorsements may just very well be a kiss of death. Additionally, don’t underestimate that despite a turning tide back to conservative values, PA is not as conservative as it used to be and still has a Democratic registration edge. Thus, Toomey may not be as palatable as thought unless Dems don’t come out to vote or tea baggers come out in droves. Nonetheless, have we forgotten that Pennsylvanian booted Rick Santorum for being “too conservative” and “too much like GW Bush”…..Thus, can a candidate who is to the right of Santorum, really work?
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Hi. I think Pennsylvania should re-elect Arlen Specter to the U.S. Senate.