Joe Sestak Eying 2016 Senate Run
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - When it comes to the most vulnerable senators in the United States Senate, Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey is on every list.
That's because in a strong Republican year of 2010, he just barely defeated former Democratic congressman and Admiral Joe Sestak.
Now Sestak is coming back in 2016.
"The fact we came so close with a great grassroots organization says, wow, 2016 is a different year," Sestak said.
Sestak said Toomey is part of the gridlock at the U.S. Capitol.
"We've had the opportunity to see the paralysis in Washington, D.C." Sestak said.
The former suburban Philadelphia congressman said Toomey votes more conservatively than he lets on at home.
"He says one thing in Pennsylvania and votes a different way down in Washington, D.C.," Sestak said.
Sestak said Toomey votes no all the time against transportation, autism funding, Alzheimer's research, immigration reform, and veterans' benefits.
"He has been ranked the ninth most obstructionist senator of all 100 senators down there," Sestak said, citing The National Journal.
Sestak sees himself as an independent Democrat, having defeated Arlen Specter against the wishes of President Barack Obama and party leaders.
"There's one focus that I have and that is to restore trust in our leaders. It's the biggest deficit in America," Sestak said.
Of course, Toomey disputes Sestak's characterization of him, and it's not yet clear that Sestak will be the Democratic nominee.
Other possible candidates include Attorney General Kathleen Kane, Tom Wolf Chief of Staff Katie McGinty, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.
Sestak said everyone is welcomed to run.
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