In Pa. governor's race, candidates run from being seen as an 'insider'

September 23, 2010
Tom Infield
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20100909_In_Pa__governor_s_race__candidates_run_from_being_seen_as_an__insider_.html

Both Pa Governor Candidate Want to be "Outside" Candiates

It seems as though the ultimate goal of th major candidates (Dan Onorate and Tom Corbett) of the Fall Governor election is to be seen as an "Outsider." Although this raises the question, that if by appearing like an outsider does it conclude that the candidates are inexperienced?

For Onorato’s campaign on being an outsider, he spoke about how he was not involved with Harrisburg because he never had a job in Harrisburg. At fourty-nine years old Onorato has “been in elected office for eighteen consecutive years.” He was Allegheny Country controller before becoming the Allegheny County executive in 2003. Also Onorato was a city council member in Pittsburgh. BY not having “Ties” with Harrisburg Onorato claims that, “It’s easier for me to change it Harrisburg.

Jim Hoefler is a political science professor at Dickinson College who was convinced by Onorato’s outsider claims.  Hoefler believes that since Onorato is in charge of Pittsburgh, he is not involved with the activities in Harrisburg. There, “He can’t be blamed, he can’t take credit” In order to make it seem like Corbett was inexperienced a “…Onorato news release blasted Corbett in somewhat self-contradictory terms.” And he called Corbett “an insider who doesn’t have the experience…. to lead Pennsylvania.”

Candidate Tom Corbett also wanted to b e thought as an outsider. He said that sixty-one his life in politics is dated all the way back to 1980s. In 1988, Corbett coordinated the presidential campaign for George H.W. Bush, and became U.S. attorney of Western Pennsylvavnia afterword. Corbett says because he has never had a legislative or executive branch position he is a “true outside.” He says he is a mere “Watchdog on public corruption.”

Gerald R.Shuster, another professor, this one from the University of Pittsburgh, has been persuaded by Corbett's outsider claims. He says that since Corbett. “… the attorney general, [voters] don’t perceive that as being in politics.” Shuster also defends Corbett by about how Onorato is not so much of an outsider to Harrisburg as he claims he is. Shuster said that Onorato helped with Allegheny County to impose a tax on drinks poured in bars.” Therefore to accomplish this, Onorato would have had to be quite involved in Harrisburg. Also, Corbett didn’t want to seem too inexperienced so he aired a TV commercial which basically stated his credential and such pertaining to being a prosecutor.

When it comes down to it, it is more likely that the candidate seems like “… a sort of outsider –insider…” rather than not appearing like insider.

"Obama stumps for Sestak"

September 23, 2010
Chris Brennan
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20100921_Obama_stumps_for_Sestak.html

Obama supports Sestak

How will Obama's support of Sestak affect the Senate Election? Will Sestak meet expectations, now that the President Obama has publicly acknowledged that he backs up his fellow Democrat?
Although he wasn’t necessarily on Joe Sestak’s side during last year’s Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate, President Obama has now changed his views and came to support Sestak’s campaign.  Obama asked that the Democrats show as much zeal for Sestak as they did for him in the 2008 election.  As Sestak reminded his supporters of his commitment to his party, Obama defended him by saying, “the two-term congressman is not one of the Capitol “insiders” causing problems in Washington”.  In Harrisburg, Pat Toomey tried to diminish Sestak’s major supporter, saying that the only thing the fundraiser would do is “remind voters that Sestak has been “lockstep” with Obama’s legislative agenda”.

Even so, past examples has shown Sestak to be a very strong-willed candidate.  In the past, many people of power have offered him bribes in order for him to drop out of campaigns.  Rupublican Party state chairman, Rob Gleason, informed reporters that Sestak was bribed by the former President Bill Clinton to “drop a challenge to U.S. Senator Arlen Spector.  Sestak was promised a place on a “… senior executive branch advisory board”, but Sestak refused and won the over Spector in May.

Many voters may say that they know for sure whom they are voting for, but with this new found support from the current President of the U.S., Barack Obama, will Sestak have an edge? I believe this is a two sided question. Obama has popularity and therefore just having the name "Democrat" will boost Sestak's votes, although Obama's recent push for the stimulus plan has upset many voters.So, Obama's support could in essence have both a negative and positive effect on Sestak's campaign.

Election 2010: Pennsylvania Senate

Sptember 17, 2010

Rasmussen Writer

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/pennsylvania/2010_senate_election/election_2010_pennsylvania_senate

Election 2010: Pennsylvania Senate

            Even though it is early in the election, can an accurate prediction be made for the Senate Race? And what do the people think of Toomey and Sestak so far?

            Many surveys make up the prediction of the 2010 Fall Senate Election. As of now 49% is for Pat Toomey, 41% for Joe Sestak, 2% for another candidate, and 8% are still undecided.  Toomey's voters, 69% of them made up their choice from the November and 74% of them said the same for Sestak. In February Toomey support was from 42% to 48% but Sestak support was declining and was now from 36% to 42%.  On September 13 the 500 Likeyly Voters in Pennsylvania survey was held and their results were that 96% of people were confident in their candidate decision.

            The Rasmussen’s article only provides data for the voter.  There is no, and cannot be any, opinion in surveys. Interrupting what they represent can be somewhat opinionated but numbers are absolute. Therefore as of now, the support for either major candidate for the Senate Race is neck to neck.

"...Major Shift in the Education Debate..."

September 16, 2010

Tom Infield

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/20100915_Pennsylvania_gubernatorial_candidates_advocate_school-vouchers_bill_at_forum.html

Pa  Gubernatorial Candidates and School-vouchers Bill

    In contrast to the last governor election, held in 2006, this year's election has school choice as an issue. Does this mean that Onorato is indecisive? And which campaign will PAC support and therefor, donate to?
    The article by Infield is centered around the issue of the school-vouchers bill.  Although they are opposing candidates, Onorato and Corbett both are in support of this bill.  The school- voucher bill "... would permit low-income students in failing public schools to obtain vouchers they could use for attendance at another public school or private school." According to both Onorato and Corbett, by passing this bill many parents would have the option to send thier children to a private school or another high school. Both candidates also demonstrated importance for the state's Educational Employment Tax Credit program and charter schools.
 While Corbett was very confident on his position, Onorato avoided even saying the word vouchers.  Corbett says that the bill is "the cicil rights issue of the 21st century."  Trying to defend his choice, Onorato tells the forum that his own children attends Catholic school and that the issue involves many aspects which he advocates: "greater funding for schools, especially early-childhood education."
At the forum the candidates each had a turn to speak but never spoke at the same time.  Reason most likely being the candidates first real debate is in Harrisburg on September 27.  A questioner stated that Onorato "has the endorsement of the state's major teacher's union" and asked if that would hurt his chances of getting opportunity grants.  Corbett said he would make state level charter schools but it would not seize the local school directors power to watch over the charter schools.  
During the last fall election businessman, Bala Cynwd and the group PAC donated a significant amount of money to Anthony Williams and drew much public critique. They said they were not sure if they would yet again donate but Williams said, "I hope so. I really do."  Being that both candidates are in agreement, voters will have a tough decision of whom will be the better governor.