PA-Sen: Draft Sestak?

by Alex Thurston :: Filed Under U.S. Domestic Issues :: May 6th, 2009 @ 12:40 pm EST

This week the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is conducting a straw poll of grassroots progressives on the following question:

“Should a Draft Sestak movement be created to take on Sen. Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary?”

Here’s why I encourage you to take the poll, and why I voted yes:

I believe Democrats should welcome anyone who wants to join us - but that does not mean newcomers should take or keep high positions without working for them and showing a genuine commitment to the party and its principles. Arlen Specter might prove to be a great Democrat and a great Democratic senator. But let him start by proving that to Pennsylvania Democrats in a contested primary.

Congressman Joe Sestak is not a perfect progressive. Supporters from his own district have criticized his behavior in Congress on issues like the war. Friends of mine have indicated disappointment with Sestak’s stances on health care and other domestic priorities.

But Rep. Sestak is a Democrat in more than name, and with a strong background in elected office, military service, and national security, he has the credibility to challenge a sitting senator. Sestak speaks effectively about his doubts regarding Specter, and the themes of a solid campaign are already taking shape: Pennsylvania needs a real Democrat. Or as Sestak said: “Too many jobs have been lost for us to worry about somebody else’s job who’s switched parties.”

I can imagine multiple positive outcomes if Sestak enters the race. I do not know if he can win, but I am confident that he can scare Specter - hopefully enough that Specter will move left on key issues like health care and the Employee Free Choice Act. The rigors of a primary may also solidify Sestak’s progressive leanings. If Sestak wins, then, Pennsylvania may not only get a real Democrat as a senator, but a real progressive.

The key ingredient in insurgent victories seems to be time. If grassroots activists can convince each other that this is a worthwhile investment of time, money, and energy, and if activists can convince Sestak to enter the race at an early point in the cycle, chances of victory will increase dramatically. With national attention focused on the Pennsylvania Senate race and struggles going on within the Republican party even despite Specter’s departure, progressives have a chance to make their mark in a dramatic way. Netroots donations can provide the seed money, and activist bodies can fuel the bottom-up enthusiasm necessary for a game-changing campaign.

Major challenges exist, like Specter’s high approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats. An insurgent campaign won’t be easy. But the potential gains outweigh the risks. I believe the straw poll will show major enthusiasm for a primary challenge - and that enthusiasm can overcome many obstacles, even incumbency, big donors, and big name supporters. With Sestak himself showing real energy to mount a challenge, it’s time for the grassroots to show our energy as well.

I encourage you to weigh in with your opinion.