Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak isn't fazed by going up against Sen. Arlen Specter, who leads in fundraising and in the polls and has the support of Democratic establishment figures.
Joe Sestak (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Speaking with reporters on a conference call Tuesday afternoon, a few hours after he made his Democratic primary challenge of Specter official, Sestak said that his political situation today isn't unlike 2006, when he defeated veteran Republican Rep. Curt Weldon in the 7th District.
"I love being the underdog," Sestak said. "A lot of room to grow. Seventy percent of the people don't know me enough to make a decision, and I'm going to give them that opportunity."
Sestak was asked to respond to criticism from Specter's campaign that Sestak has missed more than 100 House votes this year. ("During his continuing taxpayer-financed self-promotion tour around the state, he should explain why, when Pennsylvanians are working harder, he can barely show up for work," said Chris Nicholas, Specter's campaign manager.)
Sestak described Specter's votes to authorize war in Iraq and for President George W. Bush's tax cut plans as "missed votes that have to be changed."
Sestak later said he was the "most productive member" of the 2006 House freshman class and that his office has a vigorous constituent services operation.
"No one has ever accused me of not working hard," he said.
Specter and Sestak are running in a primary that also includes state Rep. Bill Kortz. The likely Republican nominee is former Rep. Pat Toomey.
CQ Politics rates the general election race Leans Democratic.
To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics' election map.
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