Before I write anything, let me fully disclose that I'm backing Chuck Pennacchio in his run for the Democratic nominee for US Senate in 2006. I support him because I agree with him and he agrees with me on the issues. That said, on with the post.
Pennacchio's campaign has been marked as the underdog from the start going up against a Bob Casey Jr. whose father [Sr.] was the governor. Casey already has the support of the Dem elite in PA. But as I've stated before, I just don't know the whole story on Casey and I haven't seen any attempts by him to tell us what he's all about. A simple "issues" section on diaries and blog posts to get a better sense of what he's about and I still favor Pennacchio.
Casey has a lot of backing simply because of his name recognition, which may or may not help him. I've only been here for a year so I don't know of the feelings the people of Pennsylvania have for his father. That name recognition will help in a campaign against a powerful opponent like Santorum, but there's more to a campaign. I haven't seen Casey in person, nor have I read much about him and that's definitely partly my fault. I'm going to get on his mailing list [just did] so that I can see if he's going to be in the area anytime soon.
But that's also the fault of the main stream media. They have a responsiblity to inform the public. This Senate race will be a spotlight race in 2006 with the fame that Santorum has. There should be more aticles on the race in general and about the individual candidates, specifically the Democratic contenders. Pennacchio's team has a page on their site up with a list of all of the major Pennslyvania papers, a Press Challenge they call it. Shoot off an email to your local paper if they haven't written anything to do so and if they have, thank them for it and ask them to keep on it - because you know how important this race is.
Information and knowledge are empowering. The more you know, the better you can support/defend your beliefs and the candidates you feel espouse them. For me, Pennacchio is the man. For you? I don't know. But I want nothing else but for everyone to make an informed decision. Democrats cannot be divided on single issues. The Repugs have become very good at stepping in line behind a candidate and going 1000% for that candidate. The Dems are constantly torn apart by thier most ardent supporters. I go by the philosophy that you must support the candidate you wholeheartedly believe to be the best and brightest candidate in the primaries. And when it comes to the big election, don't sit on your hands because your candidate didn't make the cut. I heard that piece of advice from Randi Rhodes and she got that piece of advice from Bill Clinton.
Knowing is half the battle [G.I. Joooooooooooe!]
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