A Liveblog with Joe Sestak

Thank you, Congressman Sestak!

It is a pleasure to have you with us.

It is 4:48pm as of this typing.  The Congressman will start chatting right at 5pm, so let's get someone questions going for him to respond to.

I'll kick it off with a question I think we all have:

How did you regard the President's address last night?  Did it hit the points you wanted to hear?  Do you feel it fell short in any way?

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 15:51:09 PM CDT

Re: Thank you, Congressman Sestak!

And thanks to you for having me, Senate Guru. I thought it was a powerful speech. He did two important things: He convinced a skeptical public by presenting the facts in a deliberate manner, and second he put his personal imprint of leadership and guidance  on the bill. Americans need more choice and more competition and that is a key step in arriving there, and therefore I would have liked to hear the President go into more detail regarding how he plans to cover the uninsured if a public option is not included in the legislation (I'm a bit prejudiced because I believe a public option is necessary...and I haven't been shown otherwise yet.)

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:03:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Assuming you

win the primary against Arlen Specter and make it to the general election, will you or will you not hesitate to go after Pat Toomey's record and his ideology during the campaign?

If you answer positively, I'll donate $100 to your campaign today.

---

by: jdunph1 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 15:53:36 PM CDT

Re: Assuming you

Absolutely...there could not be a starker contrast between myself and Pat Toomey. We have very different views, and it will never become personal, but I intend to show why my approach is correct for Pennsylvania and his is wrong.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:05:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

$100

done.

---

by: jdunph1 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:08:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sestak has already begun illustrating the differences

Congressman Sestak and former Rep. Toomey have already had a thoughtful, spirited, civil debate on health care reform.  Future debates between the two would, I imagine, remain civil and productive while very, very clearly illustrating the many differences between Congressman Sestak's practical positions and Rep. Toomey's far-right ideology.

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:09:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Lou Dobbs

Dear Joe,

I admit this isn't policy related but I would like to know why you appeared on Lou Dobbs's radio show even after his role with the birthers, suggesting Howard Dean should be killed and basically doing everything he can to destroy health care? Were you aware of this when you called into his show?

In regards to policy, as a former officer (to put it lightly), what do you make of the strategy in Afghanistan and the possibility of Obama calling for a troop surge?

Finally, have you talked with these recalcitrant Blue Dogs who don't want a public option? What have they said?

---

by: RantNEMinor @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 15:57:27 PM CDT

Re: Lou Dobbs

I go on FOX four to five times a week, too. The other side needs to see a strong representation of opposing views. That's why I've gone on Sean Hannity four times. We cannot just talk among ourselves. My background happens to give me a bit of credence as I talk on issues such as your next one Afghanistan.

It is not about Afghanistan anymore, but rather the "safehaven" for Al Qaeda in Pakistan. Our strategy for Afghanistan must begin with an exit strategy of benchmarks that mark success or failure, as we switch from a counterterrorist (seek and kill) to a counterinsurgency (protect and build trust) approach. I voted for an exit strategy amendment, but it lost. That said, at most there are 20 thousand Taliban, and only 30 percent are there for ideology, not primarily to support themselves. That said, we should not have a request for a surge until the exit strategy is presented by the Administration.

I went into Blue Dog counties in Pennsylvania and held town halls voicing my full support of the public option. I will continue to work with them, because this is where the moral need meets the economic requirement.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:11:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you

Thank you for your answers. I still don't agree with you regarding Dobbs, opposition is one thing but he is an extremist and I feel that going on his show lends him unnecessary credence.

Nonetheless I appreciate you taking the time out of your very busy schedule to address us denizens of the internet.

Good luck with the campaign and keep fighting the good fight, both on the trail and in the House.

I hope there is something I can do to help out.

---

by: RantNEMinor @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:20:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

campaign offices thoughout the state

I think you'd make a great US Senator for the state of PA.  But in terms of name recognition, you are only really known in your own district...shouldn't you open campaign offices in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia (and possibly elsewhere) so the rest of the state can get to know you and what you stand for?  

---

by: birdie @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 15:59:13 PM CDT

Re: campaign offices throughout the state

In our 67 county tour in July, we picked up volunteers in each county. We have an unofficial location in each of the five media markets for distribution of literature, etc... Presently, I am raising funds, but also spending little more than absolutely needed (many candidates only watch what goes in, not what comes out.) We have already done surveys for offices in six areas and once we move from pure volunteer to the next step we will execute as needed.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:13:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Pennsylvania Economy

Congressman Sestak,

I have a specific question and a general question relating to the economy in your state.

There is a small borough near Pittsburgh, called Braddock, that had suffered severe economic decline and what I view as a symbol of the failed economic policies of both Democratic and Republican administrations in the past. The decline of the steel industry in the 70s and 80s, and the influx of cocaine into the community has pretty much destroyed any viable economic base it had. It has been designated a financially-distressed municipality since 1988. I know there is no way to restore everything the way it was for Braddock like those years ago, but what can you do as a Senator to revive the economies of communities like Braddock and others around Pennsylvania?

In terms of my more general question about the economy, I'll go back to my point on the steel industry. That industry's been in decline for decades. In terms of economic development, where do you see the future of Pennsylvania's economy to focus on? Is it high-tech industries? Financial sectors? New green technologies? What do you see replacing the loss of something like steel in your state that will provide the backbone for a new economic model in your state?

Thank you.

---

by: Don't Tase Me, Bro! @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:01:36 PM CDT

Re: Pennsylvania Economy

My approach is to take the brilliant ideas, such as in nanotechnology, green energy, etc... pouring out of the great colleges/universities of PA, to marry them with the small business tax incentives in rural communities tied with community colleges training the "artisans" to the high-skilled manual labor. For example, in Adelphi in Potter County, I found a hard-working, educated rural community where a high-tech communications business flourished (set aside the mismanagement of the company). This is what needs to be done, in Pennsylvania as much if not more than elsewhere, since we are the third oldest state in the nation...because the youth are not staying. It's why I am Vice-Chairman of the Small Business Committee and went to the Education and Labor Committee. With the right incentives, entrepreneurship can become the norm, not the exception. This was only reinforced during my 67 county tour.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:19:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

thanks Congressman Sestak

And good luck next fall!

I want to know why public insurance option supporters don't mention Wall Street. It seems to me that if these companies weren't publicly traded through Wall Street, there would be far less pressure on them to profit at all costs.

Actually the President mentioned it last night in his speech, but of course it wasn't mentioned in the media. If I were in your shoes I'd mention it in every breath.

Wall Street Insurance companies take $200B every year in overhead/profit. We hear a lot of complaints that a public option would stifle innovation. But, in some way aren't the insurance companies right now decreasing innovation? If they didn't take that money, it would be going to pharmaceuticals, doctors and hospitals.  

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:08:05 PM CDT

Re: Thanks Congressman Sestak

I actually mention it often. I say that 92 percent of all health insurance markets meet the DOJ criteria for non-competitive pricing markets -- we have a near cartel setting pricing where they reap the profits. Only by a public option, as I stated in my answer to the first question, do you begin to get fair competition where prices aren't dictated by monopolies for their own profit.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:21:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks Congressman

I admit I haven't heard you speak often, just a little bit from Netroots Nation and I think I saw an interview of yours on MSNBC.

I think it's a fantastic idea to mention Wall Street and insurance companies. I think a case could even be made that an individual mandate without a public option is another bailout for Wall Street.  

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:26:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Embarrassment to our nation,

Would you comment on the nature of our political discourse as it has, in my opinion, degenerated over the months since President Obama was elected?  I become daily more embarrassed for my nation as we must seem like a nation of juveniles rather than a great nation of adults.   With the outburst of Rep. Wilson, do you see this as a possible turning point away from rancor to reason?  Will your Republican peers finally do the right thing or continue to allow such disrespect for the POTUS.   Is censure of Rep. Wilson a possibility.

---

by: mtneerfan @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:09:05 PM CDT

Re: Embarassment to our nation

I speak often of the rancor that I hear within Congress. I think President Obama has taken the right approach. He gained more for civility in a discourse by his demeanor last night than could any words, of anyone who retorted. That's the image that I kept in mind as I said on TV this morning: The Congressman was wrong, he apologized. You besmirch the Presidency, when you besmirch the President. We need to keep that in mind as we now move on. In short, the President provides something unique: the ability to turn the politics of personalization into a negative for the other side by how he comports himself. That is the best approach.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:25:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you sir,

and as a fellow retired veteran (Go Army); I look forward to supporting you in your run for the Senate.  Good Luck!!

---

by: mtneerfan @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:29:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Assuming for

one more question that you did win the primary, and were fortunate enough to win the general election, do you see yourself running for more than one term? I know this is important to many Democrats in that they fear Specter may not even make it 2016, let alone run for another term at the end of six years.

---

by: jdunph1 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:14:33 PM CDT

Re: Assuming for

Yes, I do see myself running for a second term.  

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:26:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Followup on Afghanistan

Have you heard much about Pakistan's interest in keeping US forces in Afghanistan? I heard from a CNN reporter that the war in Afghanistan is more about keeping India from trading with Afghanistan than it is about Al Qaeda. If true, this seems like a miserable reason to lose even one more troop.

I wonder if you think our armed forces are overexposed. I heard once that we have something like 400 overseas bases. Why do we need so many? Wouldn't their dollars be better spent at home, (and Im sure their families would appreciate it)?  

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:17:14 PM CDT

Re: Followup on Afghanistan

We have cut our overseas bases since the midst of the Cold War by over 50 percent. Iraq is what damaged our security and our troop readiness so much. It exacerbated greatly the deterioration in Afghanistan. You're right, this war has as much to do with Pakistan no longer being focused on India as it turns its own forces to counterinsurgency efforts in its own country. The behavior of India in abetting this is critical, for both countries view each other as the mortal threat. Pakistan will not be permitted within Afghanistan, however the Taliban do not recognize any borders nor do the tribes on either side of the artificial border. That is why Al Qaeda's safehaven must be exterminated primarily by Pakistani's with US support within Pakistan, as we redeploy from Pakistan leaving enough stability that rich beds are not left behind for terrorists to grow. It's why efforts such as micro-financing, education, etc... are the primary tools.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:34:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

HR 676?

Congressman Sestak:

Thank you for this opportunity to interact with you.  I know you are a proponent of the "public option" component of HR 3200 which, in my opinion is one of the few good things about the bill.  However, I would much prefer a passage of HR 676, the Single-Payer "Medicare for All" bill as that would be true health care reform, not health insurance reform. Sadly, it seems that proponents of HR 676 have been shut out of the debate by the media, congress and seemingly the President himself.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich proposed an amendment to HR 3200 which would allow individual states to implement Single-Payer health care should they chose to do so - a nationwide experiment if you will and may the state with the best system win. If HR 676 should be completely removed from the debate this seems a resonable compromise and an improvement to HR 3200.  Do you support the Kucinich Amendment and if you do not, why not?

As an aside, I found it somewhat ironic that Congressman Pat Toomey so savagely criticised the Kucinich amendment during your town hall debate, as such an Amendment would increase state's rights in the matter of health care. For a Republican to effectively criticise any expansion of state's rights strikes me as odd, to put it mildly.

---

by: illusionofjoy @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:21:59 PM CDT

Re: HR 676?

I can support Dennis Kucinich's amendment if one sentence -- we are working with his office on -- is changed, which would permit the unique case of someone being able to access private health insurance if that were the only way to provide a treatment not available in the single-payer plan.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:27:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

After health care reform legislation is signed

it appears that the next big task for Congress is approaching energy and environmental legislation, from cap & trade, to investing in renewable energy, to incentivizing the purchasing of fuel-efficient cars and energy-efficient home appliances.

What steps do you want to see taken to reduce America's dependence on fossil fuels and to reverse the path of climate change we're on environmentally?

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:22:23 PM CDT

Re: After health care reform legislation is signed

I just finished an op-ed on Cap and Trade I am submitting across Pennsylvania next week in preparation for the next big issue. The House bill is the minimum needed to: 1) wean ourselves off foreign oil and fossil fuels; 2) create millions of green energy jobs; 3) save the future from climate change that devastates health and our economy; and 4) and cost less than a postage stamp a day per household, and by 2020 pays back over $750 dollars in energy efficiency per household annually.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:30:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Looking forward to reading the op-ed! n/t

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:38:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

In my lifetime

I've seen an enormous growth in corporate big box stores. At the same time Mom and Pops are disappearing at an absurd rate. If a friend told me he was going to open up a corner grocery, hardware or clothing shop I'd laugh really hard, and then beg said friend not to. There's just no way to compete with WalMart or a Safeway. I'm on 27, I can't imagine what things will look like in 27 more years.

I think this also plays into the financial crisis of last year. With no mom and pop stores for supplemental income and a place to invest, it seems middle class folks have taken to shipping off their money to Wall Street. To buy something they don't understand... I know we've got a lot on our plates right now. But does this trend bother you?  

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:30:55 PM CDT

Re: In my lifetime

To a degree, your point is well placed: small businesses have traditionally created 70 percent of all jobs; in Pennsylvania they represent 90 percent of all jobs. The question is, have large corporations -- like in healthcare -- come to dominate,  that they not only become the primary place to invest but their status quo position brokers little entrepeneurship... That's why the tax breaks I work for are to help small business create new jobs.

That is why I held three businesses summits, where over 1,000 small businessmen and women came to our most recent, to help spur networking, access to government funding and private credit. After several similar education summits, I've also established withing five school districts a covenant between businesses and classrooms where one mentors and then hopefully reaps the word of skilled individuals excited by the prospect of a new type of business opportunity.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:38:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

When senator,

under what circumstances, if any, would you oppose a Supreme Court nominee appointed by President Obama?

---

by: jdunph1 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:31:06 PM CDT

Re: When senator,

First, let me say how excited I am to have a President that has a firm understanding of Constitutional Law. My view of the Constitution is much in line with his. I was strongly supportive of his nomination of Justice Sotomayor.

I believe that an open mind, conscious of precedent but with the recognition that the Constitution is a living document as our own moors grow, is critical.  

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:42:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Question for Rep. Sestak

Thanks for your support for public option and for repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Do you also support repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act ?

---

by: ProgDem09 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:32:12 PM CDT

Re: Question for Rep. Sestak

Yes, DOMA needs to be repealed. How can everyone not have equal rights?

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:43:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No Co-ops, no triggers?

Rep. Sestak, it's great to hear your support for a public option.  But opinion by weak Dems is shifting to water it down.

Will you pledge to vote against any bill that has co-ops or triggers?

Anything less is a bailout of the insurance industry and not a true public option.

---

by: Michael Whitney @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:34:48 PM CDT

RE: No Co-ops, no triggers?

I will have a difficult time voting for any bill without a public option. That said I need to see the details of any proposal before I swear an absolute -- I owe that to the nearly 700,000 constituents I work for. But I don't see how one gets reform without a public option (unless there's something that does the same thing under a different name -- which I have yet to see.)

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:45:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Laser-guided dolphins notwithstanding...

on your most recent visit to The Colbert Report, you discussed how members of the military hold Democratic principles.  For those that think that the military is the province of the conservative, could you explain what you meant by the comment that the military holds Democratic principles?

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:36:23 PM CDT

Re: Laser-guided dolphins notwithstanding...

Here's what I meant: Everyone in the military and their family members have healthcare; everyone has an educational opportunity (e.g. when I commanded a carrier battle group, no one was being promoted to senior CPO unless they had earned an Associate's college degree on their time, our money.) And then that wonderful Army saying: "Come on in, and be all you can be" [economically]-- sounds like America, sounds like Democratic values.  

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:48:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The individual mandate is political poison

I know a lot of people work for health insurance companies, but I'm disturbed by all the talk of.. "making sure the insurance companies can compete."

How do you balance the need to fix a system that is going to bankrupt all of us, with the needs of those that work for health insurance companies, or profit off of them via Wall Street?

That's my final question, I appreciate yours answers and I will write up an article about this over at the Progressive Electorate

Thanks Senate Guru and Congressman Sestak!
I have family in the Philadelphia area (who vote Democratic) and I'd be happy to do my best to secure their votes for you.  

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:44:01 PM CDT

Re: The individual mandate is political poison

The reform bill goes into effect in 2013 and takes 5 years for the full transition. There is plenty of time for insurance companies to adjust themselves competitively: should CEO's be getting $70 million severance packages on top of their $20 million salaries? How much inefficiency is there in a near-monopoly?

I believe that transparency and healthy, constructive competition, will help bring costs down that also accrue to those within the insurance companies who are working or profiting. This is not unlike previous baronies, where the status quo was not good for America and its citizens in the longer term and I believe we should not have non-competitive pricing markets. I don't believe we owe the insurance companies more than they can achieve in a fair, competitive market.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:53:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Party Unity vs. Beers and Cheers with Toomey

Hi Congressman Sestak,

As we head into a congressional midterm election year, with the guvs race on the line... why prop up Pat Toomey to moderate Dems?  I support Arlen Specter and believe in party unity, giving the Democrats the best ticket to win in 2010.  Specter has been a strong supporter of the stimulus, the public option and healthcare reform, and has said single payer should be on the table. Would you do it again (hold a town hall w/ Toomey) in order to try and get attention in the health care debate?  I see this as a potential liability to the 2010 and the PA Democratic Party in general. In fact, on pa2010, a strong supporter of yours said it was "a boneheaded move" to be with Toomey.

Further, how many beers did you and Toomey have together?  

Thanks, Best regards
DWJESS55

---

by: DWJESS55 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:44:52 PM CDT

Re: Party Unity vs. Beers and Cheers with Toomey

Arlen Specter: We would not have needed a stimulus bill if not for his 2000 votes for President Bush's economic, tax, and other policies (note, that Arlen voted first to remove all stimulus funding and only supported corporate and similar tax cuts when he supported the McCain Amendment to the Stimulus Bill; he then bragged on his website how he was still able to at least remove $100 billion in the end game of the bill...which included $1.5 billion to help close Pennsylvania's present budget deficit and $20 billion for construction money when construction workers have an unemployment rate of 31 percent. How could he have done that after helping create this savage recession with his support of President Bush.

We would not need to pass health reform now, if Arlen Specter had not traveled the country with Bob Dole actively working against the Clinton plan...and then proudly displayed their misleading poster on the plan in his office as a "trophy". In the next 15 years, 10 million Americans lost their health insurance.

I am glad to see that after Arlen switched parties, because -- as he said -- he could not win against Pat Toomey, he then switched his opposition to the public option (and EFCA) after I announced my intent to enter the race.

The future is about leadership -- a generational change in leadership where new ideas, with the energy behind them to provide results, is what matters. As the President said last night, he is willing to work and speak and discuss/debate with anyone, on either side, to bring about results for America...so am I. I believe it's about the next 30 years and having principled, accountable leadership -- where you're in it for others, not your job.

PS: Probably not enough beers. But then again, I'm a sailor.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:03:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you

very much Congressman for taking the time to answer all of our questions. You definitely have my support in your race, and hopefully the support of everyone else in the netroots. Good luck next year.

If you have time to answer one more question...the Bush tax cuts are set to expire sometime next year I believe it is. Is it safe for us to assume that you support their repeal?

---

by: jdunph1 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:49:21 PM CDT

Re: Thank you

I believe the middle class tax cuts should continue, but not the ones where 53 percent of all tax cuts over the last eight years went to the top 1 percent. I don't know how anyone could have voted for such unjust tax policies.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:05:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The pitch to Pennsylvania's Democratic primary voters

In a nutshell, when talking to Pennsylvania's Democratic primary voters, what do you communicate is at the heart of the difference between you and Arlen Specter?  Why would you be a better nominee for Pennsylvania's Democrats than Arlen Specter?

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:53:17 PM CDT

Further Congressman Sestak

Would you commit to returning the 3 million or so that you raised while running for Congress, since you are now leaving that post and running for the Senate?

Thanks
DWJESS55

---

by: DWJESS55 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:55:50 PM CDT

Do you work for Specter?

I don't know how you could trust him. He switches parties at the drop of a hat. Who could believe a word he says, once he's no longer running for the office.

I hope this is the Magic Bullet's last term in the Senate.

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 16:59:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

That is an absurd enough question

to make one wonder as to your point or your biases.

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:02:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Toomey vs. Santorum

What are the differences between the two former Congressmen?  Is it just packaging  now that Toomey is now aiming towards the general election or is there more?

Thanks and have a wonderful evening,

---

by: Lunar @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:00:21 PM CDT

Re: Toomey vs. Santorum

I find little difference between the two -- except Pat Toomey has somehow found more space to the right.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:06:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Again, many thanks for your time and open ears.

Congressman,

I want to thank your for always listening to your constituents and responding, no matter what your position may be. I voted for you twice for the House and will most certainly vote for you in the PA primary for the Senate. My contract is due to end at my current job soon. I will be left without a salary, and among other things, health insurance. I want to support your policies full time, and I want to commit my work to all of these important issues.

Do you have any recommendations as to how a concerned Pennsylvania citizen can become more involved in policy-making? I'd love to work for your Senate campaign or Doug Pike's run at the 6th seat but don't know how do go about this. Once again, I appreciate everything you've done and are continuing to do for the 7th District and all Pennsylvanians.

---

by: odonngg3 @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:00:46 PM CDT

Re: Again, many thanks for your time and open ears.

Please contact my office at 610-891-8956 and at joesestak.com

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:08:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can't help myself

What do you think of Specter's Magic Bullet? :)

---

by: Curtis Abbey @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:01:49 PM CDT

Seeing that we're getting up on 6pm ET

I just want to, again, heartily thank Congressman Joe Sestak and his staff.  Congressman Sestak, we tremendously appreciate you taking the time to field our questions and to reach out to the netroots.

Best of luck in the months ahead!

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:04:21 PM CDT

the real meaning of living wills

sorry so late...could you be the one to clarify how important living wills really are to patients and families?

---

by: Susan @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:08:29 PM CDT

Thanks all

Thanks to everyone for all the questions.

Please remember to sign on to my healthcare petition demanding a vote on the public option through my website: http://www.joesestak.com/healt...

Thanks again for having me. I look forward to coming back.

---

by: Joe Sestak @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:11:35 PM CDT

Thank you! (And correct URL)

Thanks again for taking the time to be with us.  We'd love to have you back later in the campaign.

Readers, to get to Congressman Sestak's healthcare petition demanding a vote on the public option, use this URL:
http://www.joesestak.com/healt...

(The URL in Congressman Sestak's comment above had an extra punctuation mark at the end, messing up the link.)

---

by: Senate Guru @ Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 17:15:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]