Peace Action 'scorecard' in today's Metro demonstrates the difference

[MH1]

between Specter and Sestak, and Onorato and all others.

The scorecard simply lists many Peace Action positions, and the candidates' responses. Before I get into results, let me remind everyone that the local peace groups have been INCENSED with Sestak for some of his votes. He is pro-military and does not hide that. He was anti-Iraq War not because it was a war, but because it was a STUPID war. He has stood in front of town halls on many occasions and been yelled at by the peace folks. (Imagine a roomful of gentle peace types shouting at a relatively small-statured guy wearing a tie, in a Friends Meeting ... you get the idea)

So to say the Peace groups would ever be 'in the tank' for Sestak would just be nuts. So I was amazed by something in the scorecard.

They did not call out the differences they have with Sestak. They listed a bunch of positions, positions which I know are important to them, but not some of the items I've heard individual members complain about. I imagine that must have been a really interesting meeting, where they decided on this content.

Why?

Because for every item, on Arlen Specter, they had "N/A". Not Available.

And that is the difference. Sestak, they have major disagreements with, but he TALKS to them. And he LISTENS to them (or at least, if you're cynical, he allows them time to speak to him.) Specter, apparently, would not. And it's clear to me that's what they chose to highlight in the published scorecard, rather than the areas where Sestak disagrees with their positions. There is no "we endorse", just the scorecard, but the message is clear.

Oh, and Onorato was the only other "N/A" on the scorecard, which included all the Democratic Governor candidates. There were some varied answers among the other candidates and overall it was informative to me, beyond what it says for Peace Action's position on Sestak v. Specter.

So for you guys saying 'Sestak isn't a progressive' please note that while some of his votes may not be 'progressive' enough for you, he is generally supported by progressives (with some grumbling) because he TALKS to them. And that in itself is more progressive than a guy who can't be bothered.