Posted on 04/28/2009 10:07:53 PM PDT by smoothsailing
BY MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat
April 29, 2009 12:11 am
—
Peg Luksik thought she was gearing up for a campaign battle with a powerful Republican U.S. senator who had represented Pennsylvania for almost 30 years.
But that all changed on Tuesday, when U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter unexpectedly switched his affiliation to the Democratic side of the aisle.
However, even in the wake of Specter’s surprise announcement, Luksik insisted that her strategy won’t change as she pursues the Republican nomination for the Senate seat in next year’s primary election.
“I was never running against Arlen Specter,” the Westmont resident said.
“I was always running for the families of Pennsylvania, so I’m going to continue to do that.”
Specter’s defection leaves Luksik and former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey as contenders in the 2010 primary at this point. Both are considered conservatives who were expected to portray the incumbent as too liberal for the GOP.
That no longer will be a viable strategy.
But Luksik said she is not changing her platform, which focuses on family values and social conservatism. Luksik is a noted anti-abortion activist who has run for governor three times.
Her campaign also issued a statement saying Specter’s switch was made necessary because he had lost support among Republicans and “could not succeed” in next year’s GOP primary.
“It is clear that Arlen Specter stands with President Obama on a host of issues and, with this decision, has gone home to the Democratic party,” Luksik said.
Toomey drew up a similar comment, saying Specter’s decision “is in keeping with his record.”
The candidate also said Specter had repeatedly promised to remain a Republican.
“What Pennsylvanians must now ask themselves is whether Senator Specter is in fact devoted to any principle other than his own re-election,” Toomey said.
Not surprisingly, the rhetoric was much different among Democrats on Tuesday.
Pennsylvania’s other senator, Democrat Bob Casey, celebrated the fact that Specter’s move likely will give Democrats a critical 60-vote majority in the Senate.
“The real winners today are Americans who want jobs, access to health care, early childhood education and energy independence,” Casey said.
Local Democrats noted that Specter has long been considered a political moderate.
“He didn’t vote 100 percent Republican over the years,” said Helen Whiteford, Cambria County Democratic Committee chairwoman. “His wasn’t a strong right-wing vote.”
John Vatavuk, a Somerset County commissioner who chairs the county’s Democratic committee, said Specter is a “welcome addition” to the party. He also believes two Democratic senators, combined with a Democratic House of Representatives and White House, is a positive formula for Pennsylvania and the local area.
“The clout we could have in Washington now, with Casey and Specter – we should be in the driver’s seat for funding,” Vatavuk said.
Johnstown businessman Rob Gleason – who chairs both the Cambria County and state Republican committees – said he believes Specter should apologize to the GOP and return any campaign contributions he has received as a member of the party.
“Senator Arlen Specter can rest assured that we are committed to winning this seat back for the Republican party in 2010,” Gleason said.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, declined to comment on Specter. U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg, said he was disappointed with the senator’s switch.
“(Tuesday’s) announcement changes the political dynamic in both Pennsylvania and the country,” Shuster said.
Tribune-Democrat staff writer Ted Potts contributed to this report.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Ping!
do you live near this town?
Nah, Monongahela is much closer.
good. We need conservatives to run.
There's No Doubt About It!!!
If she beats the Rudy Cheerleader, it won’t bother me.
Heck, until just recently, I thought he was running for Governor.
Any ship in a storm, I suppose, with these career politicos.
“It is clear that Arlen Specter stands with pres__ent usurper on a host of issues and, with this decision, has gone home to the Democratic party,”
Good one, Peg!
Wow - Gleason finally said something I can agree with.
Has he found another demonRAT Rino he can support?
"I was never running against Arlen Specter," the Westmont resident said. "I was always running for the families of Pennsylvania, so I'm going to continue to do that." ...Luksik said she is not changing her platform, which focuses on family values and social conservatism. Luksik is a noted anti-abortion activist who has run for governor three times.
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