Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 20:27:08 -0400
From: Joe Sestak <clarksestak@comcast.net>
To: Robert Keeley
Dear Robert,
I wanted to let you know that I will be delivering the Democratic
response to the President's weekly radio address this Saturday at
11:06am. I am honored to have been chosen for this national address,
but it would not have happened without your generous and enthusiastic
support.
You can listen to the address on NPR, CBS, and other stations or watch
it on CSPAN or CNN. The attached Philadelphia Inquirer article has
more detailed information.
Warmly,
Joe
Many eyes (and ears) on Sestak radio talk
Tomorrow, Rep. Weldon's rival will give the Democratic response to
Bush's address. It may help the retired admiral raise funds and get
exposure.
By Todd Mason
Inquirer Staff Writer
The political novice who seemingly came from nowhere to mount a
serious challenge against U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R., Pa.) is
delivering the Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio
address tomorrow.
Joe Sestak, a retired three-star admiral who commanded a battle group
during the war in Afghanistan, is expected to criticize the war in
Iraq as a costly diversion in the country's efforts to fight
terrorism.
"What person has better credentials?" said Jennifer Crider,
spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D. Calif.), the House
Democratic leader who offered him the platform.
"It is a great opportunity," said Larry Sabato, director of the Center
for Politics at the University of Virginia.
Major contributors listen to the president's weekly speech and the
Democratic rebuttal, even if ordinary citizens don't, Sabato said. "It
puts the spotlight on him for raising money," added.
Sestak said he is still writing the speech, which is to be taped today.
Sestak's appearance may get more attention if his address sets the
stage for weekend talk shows, said Doc Sweitzer, Sestak's media
consultant and a partner in the Campaign Group, of Philadelphia. "It
is about the replay."
Michael Puppio, Weldon's campaign manager, said Sestak's selection
shows that the national party sent him to Pennsylvania to challenge
Weldon.
"This the Joe Sestak-Nancy Pelosi coming-out party," Puppio said.
Sestak, who grew up in Springfield, Delaware County, returned to the
district in January after 31 years of military service. Sestak and
county Democratic leaders say he approached them with a surprise offer
to run.
The retired admiral is the sixth congressional candidate to deliver
the Democrats' counterpoint this year. The other five are in close
races in California, New Mexico, Iowa, Vermont and Florida that are
priorities for the national party.
In Pennsylvania, the three suburban Philadelphia races, in the Sixth,
Seventh and Eighth Congressional Districts are "on everyone's radar as
major seats in play," said Terry Madonna, director of the Center for
Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College.
Weldon's Seventh District covers most of Delaware County, the eastern
fringe of Chester County, and a piece of southern Montgomery County.
A Naval Academy graduate, Sestak earned a Ph.D. at Harvard and held
posts in the White House and Pentagon.
He surprised his opponent last month by raising $700,000 in
contributions in the three months ended June 30. Weldon raised
$653,000 in the same period. Sestak has $1 million on hand, compared
Weldon's $1.2 million.
The successes underscore "that issues we are running on are the right
ones," Sestak said.
--
Learn more: www.sestakforcongress.com
Contribute: Check(s), payable to "Sestak for Congress", can be mailed
to, Sestak for Congress PO Box 16 Media, PA 19063
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