There have been many stories and diaries lately about the Pennsylvania Senate primary between the long-serving Senator Arlen Specter and his challenger Joe Sestak. As a registered Democrat in PA, I will be casting my primary vote in less than a week and I'm still undecided.
Senator Specter is one of the few Republicans I have ever voted for, and I was happy when he changed parties because I could vote for him and not feel like a traitor to my party. A friend of mine tells me that Specter has been a strong supporter of funding for scientific research, although I haven't taken the time to verify that. Finally, a powerful Senator is generally good for a state.
OTOH, Sestak has been reportedto have a potentially better chance at beating Toomey who is the likely Republican nominee. Given the "throw the bums out" sentiment of late, I think Sestak's potential for beating Toomey will only get better by November. Lastly, I can't ignore the fact that Specter is 80 and I don't know what Pennsylvania's rule is for replacing a senator who dies in office. Maybe it's inappropriate to say that, but what are the chances that the seat could go to a Republican under those circumstances?
Those are the arguments that are currently in the forefront for me, but I'd like to hear the thoughts of other Pennsylvanians as well as Democrats from across the country.
Convince me!