Hoeffel faces cleared Democratic field as he kicks off tour (sorry, folks)

[srpantalonas]

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Senate hopeful Rep. Joe Hoeffel faces a cleared field for the Democratic nomination as he launches a statewide tour Tuesday in his campaign to retire incumbent GOP Sen. Arlen Specter.

Hoeffel's primary challenger, Charlie Crystle, a Lancaster software developer and political newcomer, said in an interview Monday night with The Associated Press that he would "take one for the team" and step aside for Hoeffel.

http://pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-10/107094654040982.xml

My full statement:
http://www.CharlieCrystle.com

Thanks for everyone's interest and help at DU. I look forward to working with you to oust Bush this year!

--Charlie Crystle

[Pale Blue Dot]

1. Congrats on the run

Sorry to see you go. :-( Now let's see if we can get Spector to take one FROM our team!

[papau]

2. Hey - you get the award for doing the right thing - twice - going in and

now exiting.

You're one of the heros of DU!

:-)

[enough]

3. Excellent statement, Charlie

As a "neighbor" from Chester County, I applaud your race, and your decision to step down now. I hope you will keep us posted on what you find in your contacts with the Rendell admin. Should be interesting.

From Charlie's statement:

snip>

I have some comments about our insistence as a state to ignore the facts when elecing statewide politicians. Too many Democrats across this state do not understand why Arlen Specter is such a terrible Senator and why you should vote for Joe Hoeffel instead of Arlen. Here’s why:
· Arlen still doesn’t stand for anything but Arlen
· Arlen voted for the last two tax cuts, effectively dismantling the social fabric of the country
· Anita Hill
· Arlen’s been a US Senator for 24 years, and yet he’s still only 3rd in line for the chair of the Appropriations committee.
· Arlen is the tie-breaking vote in a tight Senate

more>

Right on. I can think of a few more to add to the list, but this is a great beginning.

Thank you Charlie.

[ewagner]

4. Congrats Charlie

It takes real "Class" to take one for your party...and, I might add...for your country.

[JM]

5. Good job!

Hang tough and stay in the game...even if you aren't running.

And perhaps some day we can have a conversation NOT at the mercy of cell towers B-)

Keep in touch!
JM

[rogerashton]

6. That's great news --

and I look forward to supporting and voting for Charlie Crystle in a future statewide race.

[denverbill]

7. I hope you aren't permanently retiring.

I think it's great that you had the courage to run, and it's also great that you took one for the team.

Just the run gives you some name recognition which would be useful in the future.

[kodi]

8. this is what the democrats need, focusing on unity towards winnng

Hoeffel reps the area of my youth and i have watched him for years.

he can beat spector.

mr crystle did himself, the party and most importantly, the country a sevrice.

mr crystle showed a lot of class and wisdom.

good show, sir, and thanks.

[DoveTurnedHawk]

9. My Respect for You Just Skyrocketed

Thank you so much for taking one for the team. I hope you decide to stay in politics.

Now if only we could get about half of the current field for President to drop out...

DTH

[Hawkeye-X]

10. There's always Sanscrotum

in 2006 (I think) that's already in danger of getting his ass kicked out, and hopefully it'll be by future Senator Charlie Crystle! (I would have moved to the East either in PA or NY, but regardless, I'll still support Charlie!)

Hawkeye-X

[srpantalonas]

11. 2006 isn't really that far away...

thanks for all of the supportive comments. It means a lot to me.

[goobergunch]

12. And in 2006

I can guarantee a donation. :)