The LuLac Edition #841, June 8th, 2009

PHOTO INDEX: SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER IN CASUAL WEAR.

SPECTER SPECULATING

Jobs are an ongoing issue in the state of Pennsylvania, especially in these tough economic times. At the Westin Conference Center in Pittsburgh this weekend, Arlen Specter talked about jobs to union members. But the one job first and foremost on his mind was the one he’d like to keep after nearly three decades, that of U.S. Senator. Specter addressed the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee. He spent a great deal of time to reconnecting himself to the Democratic Party. He also was on a mission to curry the favor of organized labor, which pundits all agree are essential to a successful campaign for his re-election to a sixth term in 2010. The speech was so important to the veteran lawmaker that he took a page out of President Obama’s book and used a teleprompter. Specter referred to his key vote on the stimulus plan saying, "The far right used me for target practice and they didn't like it when I wouldn't stand still. So I'm especially glad to be here where I feel so welcome and so comfortable, because we share the same core beliefs”. All in the speech was not sweetness and light though. The Senator experienced some catcalls from labor leaders when he addressed the issue of “card check” saying he would find a compromise so he could get on the right side of the issue. It’s pretty ironic that as a Republican, Specter faced a litmus test on issues from the extreme right. Now as a new member of the Democrats, labor leaders as well as veteran Democrats who used to enjoy Specter “Gumby” like flexibility now cast a wary eye on the new recruit. Two fellow Democrats are thinking of running against Specter in the primary. Rep. Joe Sestak of Delaware County and state Rep. Bill Kortz of Dravosburg are in the starting gate. Sestek in particular has 3 million dollars in the bank, has a compelling story, a 21% recognition factor without spending a dime and has said, “It would take an act of God for me not to get in." Sestak knows he’s going up against the party establishment, with President Obama, Gov. Ed Rendell and Sen. Bob Casey all in the Specter camp. That however doesn’t seem to faze him. This is getting interesting.