Sestak Throws Water on Senate 2012 Rumors

In a stop in Scranton this weekend, Congressman and former Senate candidate Joe Sestak downplayed recent rumors that he is planning to challenge Senator Bob Casey.

“I think he’s a good Senator,” said Sestak. “I think Senator Casey could sleep and win this election, he’s so good.”

Casey speaks at a Sestak for Senate rally. (Aug. 9, 2010. Via Sestak2010 Flickr)

Since the day after the election, Sestak has been touring Pennsylvania to say thank you to all of his supporters. Sestak said so far, the trip has taken him to more than 50 counties. He aims to visit all 67 Pennsylvania counties by January 2011.

The tour is reminiscent of the prelude to Sestak’s primary challenge of Senator Arlen Specter, when he visited every PA county but remained coy about his candidacy. Sestak has also said that he wants to remain in public service. That, plus Sestak’s admitted preference for “running against the establishment,” resulted in rumors that he may similarly challenge Casey.

That’s not what he intended, Sestak insisted. “I decided before the election that I was going to do this, win or lose.”

While Sestak did not definitively rule out a run, he seemed dismissive. This comes in contrast to his 2009 tour, when Sestak actively stoked rumors that he would challenge Specter.

“He’s a good Senator,” Sestak reiterated, and offered Casey some campaign advice. “I told Bob a week and a half ago. If I were you, I’d spend next year in the T.”

According to a recent Quinnipiac Poll, a mere 13% of Pennsylvania Democrats feel that Casey does not deserve re-election.

5 Responses

  1. I want to see this finalized. It doesn’t mttaer to me how it’s finalized. I just want to see all the information exposed to the light of day. if it’s truly a misunderstanding, say so. If it’s what it seems, man up! Stop the cover-up!

  2. The article you did on the R candidate running against Sen. Casey, I am wondering what planet he is living on. Jessie Bloom

  3. I don’t mean to be a jerk … but I’m pretty sure Bob Casey knows how to win a statewide election.

  4. JOE SESTAK,S LOST THE RACE FOR U.S. SENATE & NOW WANT TO RUN FOR OTHER OFFICE& JOE SAID IS I THINK SENATOR CASEY COULD SLEEP 7 WIN THIS ELECTION HE,S SO GOOD. HE ISN,T LIKE HE,S DAD & I VOTE FOR HIS FATHER. AT THE PENN. FARM SHOW HE HAVE NON,T HAD A BOOTH AT THE SHOW THERE FOR I WANT TO SEE MY SENATOR AT THE FARM SHOW. SO I,M LOOKING FOR AN REPUBLICAN TO RUN AGAINST BOB CASEY

  5. He won’t need to run because he’ll be taking the job that Obama offered him through Clinton.

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