2009/2010: Sestak 'intends' to run

Posted: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:11 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2009, 2010

FLORIDA: Mike Huckabee is reportedly set to endorse Marco Rubio over Charlie Crist in the Republican Senate primary.

ILLINOIS: The Burris story continues… The Chicago Tribune: “Beleaguered U.S. Sen. Roland Burris added another layer Wednesday to the evolving story of his appointment, saying he was only trying to ‘placate’ then- Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother to keep his Senate prospects alive knowing no campaign money would ever change hands. The latest detail came as Burris spent the opening of a two-day Downstate tour offering his explanation of what was on covert recordings made by federal agents investigating Blagojevich in November. Burris said the transcript shows that he was not involved in "pay to play" because he told Robert Blagojevich, the former governor's brother, that if he donated and got the Senate appointment, ‘that means I bought it.’”

Video: Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., joins “Hardball” on the phone to discuss FBI wiretaps that reveal Burris talked with Rod Blagojevich’s brother about the possibility of throwing a fundraiser for the former Illinois governor at the same time he was lobbying for the vacant Senate seat.

“But the transcript also shows Burris discussing various ways that he might join in fundraising events hosted by others or contribute money through Burris' law partner and current lawyer, Timothy Wright. On Wednesday, Burris said those discussions were an attempt to deceive Robert Blagojevich to keep himself in the mix for a Senate appointment and that no donations were ever forthcoming.”

PENNSYLVANIA: Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak "intends" to challenge Arlen Specter in the 2010 Democratic primary. In a note to potential fundraisers, Sestak also sets a date of June 30th (an FEC quarterly deadline) as an important one for the credibility of his campaign.

The Washington Post’s Cillizza adds, “Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak is planning to run against Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter in 2010 but those familiar with his thinking caution no announcement is imminent and that he could well change his mind on the race.”

"In a Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group poll obtained by Roll Call, Specter led Sestak, 56 percent to 16 percent, among a sample self-identified Democratic primary voters in the Keystone State surveyed during the first week in May."

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Comments

Burris has got to go!! Never should have been seated in the first place, he has the stench of Blago all around him.

justthinkinoutloud (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:18 AM)

I saw the great news yesterday on the Ed Show that Joe Sestak is thinking very seriously of running against Specter. I sure hope that he can beat Specter and bring a real Democrat to that Senate seat. He's my age and it's time for old Arlen to take a powder and enjoy his golden years from the sidelines.

No surprise that that fool huckabee would endorse another extremist idiot in rubio. Crist will still whip that extre4mist idiot good.

Burris should know better than to go on Hardball with Chris Matthews. He should also get a better lawyer who's smart enough to keep Roland from talking publicly.

In Sestak We Trust!
Go Lakers!
Go Magic!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:22 AM)

The NRCC released new attack ads it will air against vulnerable House Democrats (Kratovil, Perriello, Nye, Snyder, Kosmas, Herseth Sandlin, Teague): The theme: http://campaigndiaries.com/2009/05/28/new-nrcc-wave/

Pelosi accused the CIA of lying then blocked an investigation into her claims with the help of these Democrats.

Dan (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:23 AM)

Hats off to Chris Matthews on Hardball! You did an excellent job questioning Burris. Months ago he was the topic of disscussion First Read.

We felt that he was unethical for accepting the seat offered by Blogo. We all voiced concerns that he was lying and deceptive. However--I have a serious problem with the AG in Illinois. He had this evidence and should have blocked Burris's appointment.

The AG did a lousy job grandstanding the evidence he had on this clown. Great job Chris!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:26 AM)

The little mousey Senator Burris, has been caught at NOTHING! He is guilty of perhaps being disingenious, nothing more.

Hardball Chris....your grilling of him was so off the charts. It made no sense, and you got nothing, other than frustration. You, Hardball Chris, can sit and gush all over the Disgraced Snake Tom Delay, who is as corrupt as the days are long! Get it together Chris!

Sestak hopefully will unseat the pretend Democrat Spector...

Prosecute War Criminals Bush/Cheney!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:26 AM)

Chris grilled him last night on hardball. Burris has zero credibility. Will the Dems be able to keep this seat?

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:27 AM)

Burris and Blago represent the corruption caused by the absolute control of Chicago and Crook County government by the Democratic Party for over 75 years. This was the breeding ground of Barack and Rahm. Todd Stroger, the tax raising Crook County Board President himself is a tax cheat to the tune of over $12,000! Just like Rangel and Geithner!

The Democrats hold on to power through rigged elections, just ask the Crook County Democratic Organization in Chicago why there has not been a Republican mayor of Chicago in over 75 years! Jobs for votes. Just look up the name Robert Sorich, convicted assistant to Chicago's Mayor Daley.

Big Al in Chicago, Vote early and vote often (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:38 AM)

Huckabee gets along with everyone. He's a good guy who has had many "stars" on his show that disagree with him but it's always a respectful exchange. They usually can find some kind of common ground.

And he owns 21 guitars. A former rock n' roller.

Fortunate Son (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:43 AM)

Burris and his questionable activities are showing. He should have never accepted the Senate seat from Blago because there was the taint there... Apparently, it just wasn't a taint; there was some very likely corruption there. Even offering to do something that could appear to be pay for play damages the system. Democrats should stick to sex scandals and leave the money issues to Republicans.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:04 AM)

Senator Burris is a bad joke that should never have been seated in the US Senate. If the tapes do demonstrate that he "played for pay" even though he did not shell out the money for whatever reason, he should resign and if does not, be removed by the senate.

Get rid of him!

Mike Groshong, McMinnville,Or (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:24 AM)

So would anyone have expected the Huckster to support a moderate Repub? Not likely.

And as for Chris Matthews' interview with Senator Burris last night... wow! When your only defense is that you lied to get the seat, then you know you're on your way out.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:27 AM)

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