PA Democrat announces U.S. Senate bid (Specter's Seat)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/breaking/20030805websenatep5.asp

An Internet entrepreneur who has never run for political office said today he will seek election to the U.S. Senate, bucking Democratic Party leaders who have already lined up behind another Pennsylvania candidate.

Charlie Crystle, a 36-year-old software developer from Lancaster, will face Rep. Joseph Hoeffel in a Democratic primary for the seat now held by Republican Sen. Arlen Specter. Specter will face an April 27 primary of his own, against Rep. Pat Toomey.

Democratic Party leaders in Washington and Harrisburg had hoped to avoid any primary battles that would eat up energy and money before they face the winner of the bruising GOP battle between Specter and Toomey. But Crystle said his candidacy should "strengthen the Democratic Party" by offering voters a choice.

"People are hurting, and I know I can do something about it," Crystle said in a telephone interview today. "We need to have a transformational election, where we elect people who are going to lead with practical solutions for everybody, not just the rich."

Crystle said his campaign platform will focus on Republican policies of the Bush administration, which he blamed for damaging the national economy, and ultimately, the middle class.

...Crystle, who has said he made $5 million in 1999 when he sold his share of a software company that he helped found, said he will spend up to $1 million of his own money on the campaign.

[rabid_nerd]

1. Go Charlie Go Charlie

http://www.charliecrystal.com/

[MissMarple]

2. "practical solutions for everybody, not just the rich"

I like it.

We need someone who can lead the economically confused away from voodoo taxcut mantras. We need them in every state, explaining why neverending taxcuts are actually very bad for the economy.

[TheDonkey]

3. Is there a problem with Hoeffel?

PA really needs to win this senate seat? Was there really a problem with Hoeffel? Who is he anyway??

[NewJerseyDem]

4. Hoeffel is fine

Congressman Hoeffel is probably the best candidate here. He will certainly be the favorite in the primary. There really isn't much wrong with him. Some people probably are bothered because, I think, he voted for the war, so some think he is a moderate. However, he has a very liberal voting record otherwise and it can be good election strategy to pretend to be moderate like he seems to be doing.

[zbdent]

5. Either candidate should read the Congressional record

from early 1991 in their ads.

Giving out Specters' glowing review of Saddam Hussein while the Liberals and Democrats in Congress were pointing out the 1988/1989 gassing of the Kurds and the public lynching of foreign reporters in front of grandstands full of grade-schoolers let out for the day.

[jiacinto]

7. Where can I find this?

Maybe I can email it to the Hoeffel capmaign.

[VoteClark]

6. Gee, we really need more Rich people in Senate.

[Perky]

8. From Lancaster

What kind of Software can come out of AMish country....LOL