Robert Casey Jr. Says He'll Run Against Santorum

KYW1060 ^

[Sub-Driver]

Robert Casey Jr. Says He'll Run Against Santorum by KYW's Tony Romeo

Robert Casey Jr., being wooed by national Democrats to challenge incumbent Republican senator Rick Santorum for his US Senate seat from Pennsylvania, has decided to jump into the race.

Earlier this week, Governor Rendell was asked about the prospects for a fight over the Democratic nomination for US Senate:

“I hope, in all cases, if we can avoid a Democratic primary, that would be a good result. But until anybody declares their intentions, it’s impossible. I’m not going to pick up the phone and talk to other candidates until I hear that someone definitely wants to run.”

After the governor made those remarks on Wednesday, former Pennsylvania treasurer (and former Republican) Barbara Hafer told the Associated Press she would run.

Then on Friday, when current treasurer Robert Casey Jr. also said he would run, Rendell did pick up the phone. Hafer has released a statement saying she’ll honor the governor’s wishes and stay out of the race.

[rottweiller_inc]

the coal regions of pa

[Ramcat]

"the coal regions of pa"

Well rotty you can't be that bad if you've got some coal in your blood.
God Bless you man.

[rottweiller_inc]

I'm not trying to be bad but i am concerned with the direction of country..slower under republicans and faster under democrats...sometimes i think democrats would be better in that they would push people to fight back more quickly

[Soul Seeker]

And Santorum's future is about more than payback for not endorsing Toomey. It concerns the future of conservatism in Penn.

More importantly concerns the thoughts Republicans have that conservatives can not win in "blue" states without being "moderates". Santorum wins as a conservative with the entirety of the Dem party against him he stabs a knife into the heart of those in the party that advocate the belief only a Liberal Republican can win these states.

[rottweiller_inc]

no santorum had to know that electing specter would put him as leader of the judiciary

[Soul Seeker]

Yes, and?

[Ramcat]

rotty,
That's crazy thinking.
You can't give up ground with the thought that you'll get it back later.
The dems are playing the same game right now. They think that history is on their side and that it will be their turn next.
It doesn't always work that way. Parties split and go out of business. Their causes go with them. We can't poke ourselves in the eye over a fair primary election.
Time to make up.
Stay out of Philly and you'll be OK.

[rottweiller_inc]

specter as the head of the judiciary at a time when democrats are filibustering is foolish or planned

[rottweiller_inc]

unless you want to take the position that bush and santorum didn't know filibusters where happening and likly in the future when you campaign for the person in line to head the judiciary comitte.

[Ramcat]

"unless you want to take the position that bush and santorum didn't know filibusters where happening and likly in the future when you campaign for the person in line to head the judiciary comitte."

rotty,
Come on fess up. You hittin the bong tonight?

[rottweiller_inc]

so filibusters were already happening and bush and santorum knew it when they campaigned for specter and you think think this is some bong dream?

[Soul Seeker]

I fail to see why you brought this point up since it doesn't relate to my post. I have never contended I agreed with support of Spectre. Though I have stated the obvious that the Republican voters made the final call they preferred Spectre to represent. Nor have I denied the obvious that everyone knew Spectre would head the Judiciary well before the primary.

My argument has not centered on justifying his decision to support Spectre. My argument is that one decision shouldn't cement his defeat as Senator. My argument is that the loss of Santorum will hurt conservative politics in Penn. My argument is that Penn has the potential to become a swing state within a few elections cycles, or to become solidly blue. My argument is that Santorum's election is pivotal in the direction the state flows. Re-eLect Santorum as a noted conservative in a "blue" state against the obstacle of the entire Dem Party and you send a strong message to those that have advocated the theory only Liberal Republicans can win. That has more potential to alter the landscape of conservatism in America than bolstering the theory only Liberals can win that will result with his loss. My argument is that you have a chance to re-define conservative politics from a position of strength with a re-elected Santorum and a strong Rep contender for Governor.

[Mo1]

PA: a Red State with 2 Majority Blue Cities.

Those two Majority Blue Cities are calling the shots in PA

[rottweiller_inc]

my argument has been round about..my contention is that santorum isn't a conservative anyway. words are one thing and media labels sounds nice but actions are where the rubber hits the road

[Ramcat]

"so filibusters were already happening and bush and santorum knew it when they campaigned for specter and you think think this is some bong dream?"

rotty,
Maybe not bong, maybe Jim Beam.
The Chairman of the Judiciary Committee can't stop a filibuster. The Majority Leader of the Senate does that.

[Mo1]

Yep .. but it doesn't have to be

Some feel it's better to teach republicans a lesson

[rottweiller_inc]

i'll grant you santorum is a fine republican and he tries to advance the party

[Temple Owl]

If Casey had run against Specter, I'd voted for him.

[rottweiller_inc]

sigh. teaching the reblicans a leason would presupposed i cared what they thought.. i don't i vote conservative and i don't follow hype

[oceanview]

I don't think you will see the national republican ticket putting any money into PA for 2008 - its moving into the solid Dem category - no different then NY or NJ. Better to try to win something like Wisconsin or Minnesota.