Torsella Passes On PA Sen Bid
Civic leader Joe Torsella will not challenge Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) in next year's primary, clearing the path for the newly-minted Dem. Torsella's video message is above.
"Dear Friend,
"As you know, earlier this year I decided to run for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania. I thought we needed a Democratic Senator who would champion new ideas and new solutions to old problems.
"But as we've all learned, campaigns can be unpredictable.
"Senator Specter's decision to join the Democratic Party transformed this election.
"Over time, it's become clear to me that the kind of campaign this would become is not the kind of campaign I - or you - signed up for. It would probably become negative, personal, and all about Senator Specter's past, not our common future. And that doesn't do Pennsylvania any good.
"So I've decided that I'm not going forward with my campaign for the Senate under these circumstances.
"I've posted a video on our campaign website explaining my decision and I hope you'll take a moment to view it.
"If you were kind enough to contribute, we're going to tally up the accounts and send your money back. I know you wanted to send me to the Senate, not to send me a political blank check.
"And I want you to know, I'm not going anywhere. I intend to play an active part in the conversation about renewing America that has started in Washington, but is far from finished.
"There will be other opportunities to serve the country and state we love and to draw America just a little closer in our generation to the bright promise of our founding ideals. I hope you and I will both be part of that, together.
"Sincerely,
"Joe Torsella"