Scranton Times: Casey to challenge Santorum in 2006?

[Penndems]

The talk of Democratic state Auditor General Robert P. Casey Jr. challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum in 2006 is getting serious.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, have both called Mr. Casey to talk to him about running against Mr. Santorum.

Mr. Schumer and Mr. Reid could not be reached for comment Friday, but a senior Democratic aide at the committee said Mr. Reid "feels pretty strongly about Casey's ability to take Santorum on."

Mr. Reid called Mr. Casey a few days ago, the aide said.

Link:

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13708747&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=418216&rfi=6

[Goldeneye]

1. whats santorums approval rating like?

Do the people like him?

[autorank]

2. Casey can save the country, from Santorum at least!

This will be a great race. The Pennsylvania Democrats are feeling their oats and Casey is a solid campaigner. This will do some healing for the party. I think Casey is opposed to abortion in some forms but right on all the other issues. So what, we're a big tent. If he can stop Santorum and boost the party on other issues, I'm all for it.

[Rowdyboy]

3. This has the potential to be enormous for the Democrats....

Casey could actually beat Santorum, allow the Democratic party to broaden its appeal, and the symbolism of all this would be incredible.

[autorank]

4. I remember his father was Governor and very well liked.

Good old fashioned Democrat. The story about the father not being invited to speak at the DEM convention is supposedly a big fat lie.

Pleas God, deliver Pennsylvania from Rick Santorum! Oh, you will. Thanks! (see * isn't the only one with a hotline)

[rabid_nerd]

5. Casey's win in 2004 was a RECORD LANDSLIDE

Email: http://www.caseyfortreasurer.com/index.asp?Type=B_LOC&SEC={CE5D5ED7-E7B4-4A0D-A6DF-DE50E0C71956}

ABOUT THE RECORD WIN:
http://www.caseyfortreasurer.com/

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

6. Not a political expert but would like to see some breakdown of numbers...

I believe that part of 'blue' Pennsylvania's recent history in voting, at least at the Presidential level, is the socially liberal/fiscally conservative model. The 'Rockefeller Republicans' haven't voted for a Republican POTUS since 88 and have aligned themselves with the Democrats. Maybe the Democrats have the numbers to elect Casey Jr. without any help from the moderate Republicans but I would like to see the breakdown of numbers. Looking on the DU forum, I noticed that a larger percentage of Democrats voted for Santorum in 02 than they did for Specter in 2000 (the information on the DU campaigns hasn't been updated for 04 yet, at least for PA)...I can't understand that one unless it was just a matter of who the Dems were running in the campaign.

I think Santorum is vulnerable in a number of areas, including the recent cyberschool scandal. But I would most like to see his record of voting on pork spending and his regressive politics on social issues exploited in the next campaign...Is Casey Jr also socially regressive but a big fiscal spender (he just spends on different areas)???? I don't know his politics, but I do remember his father.

[Penndems]

7. Here ya go . . .

Santorum's voting record, from Project Vote Smart:

http://www.vote-smart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=H3521103

**********************************************************************
I think it's fair to say that Bob Casey is a PRUDENT spender. When he was Auditor General, he handled his office's budget in an intelligent, fiscally responsible manner. He also made sure that everyone else in state government handled theirs in a similar fashion. If memory serves me, Bobby Casey was a real thorn in Tom Ridge's ass because he uncovered some misuse of public funds. One incident that sticks in my mind had to do with one of Ridge's buddies buying some land from the state and then selling it back at twice what he paid for it. Bob Casey uncovered it, and put it on the AG's website. He kept Tom Ridge honest - no small feat.

If I had to choose any one person to be Treasurer, it would have to be Casey. He's as honest as the days are long, and the people of Pennsylvania know it. They know their tax dollars are in safe hands and he'll make sure every dime of it is spent wisely and, just as important, it'll be accounted for.

No "cooking the books" here.

(on edit: additional text)

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

8. Thank you very much!!! nt

[Penndems]

11. A pleasure! :)

n/t

[RamboLiberal]

9. One poll of Casey vs Santorum looks really good

just wish it was election day 2006!

A poll (DSCC, probably) pitting various Democrats against Rick Santorum has generated some buzz in DC political circles. The exact numbers are hazy, but hover in the 52-38 range. The candidates? Bob Casey Jr. at 52 percent, and Santorum at 38. In fact, according to the poll, Casey would beat Rendell in a primary battle. Thankfully, that won't happen as Rendell is firmly focused on reelection to a second term as governor.

Santorum is quite obviously Democratic target numero uno, and there's no doubt that Santorum is far too conservative for Pennsylvania. He belongs more in Oklahoma with Wacky Tom Coburn than in moderate PA.

http://www.dailykos.com/

[mrgorth]

10. OH YES!!!

[sjgman9]

12. Illinois DUer here

Roast the bastard! Go Casey!

[chookie]

13. Santorum in Pittsburgh's opinion

Opinion regarding this guy parallels the popularity of George W -- they invariably intersect -- whereas support for Arlen Spector is more widespread and diffuse.

Santorum has very much made himself a remora to the George W Rich White Shark, and he has tied his fate to his beloved George W. Much of the viciousness leveled against Teresa Heinz Kerry was because she has been too candid about being appalled that Santorum stains the Senate seat her late husband, the well-loved and widely respected John Heinz.

Bush probably won't be impeached by 2006, and I VERY MUCH doubt that the Democratic party will have mounted an opposition by then -- so expect the Fascist juggernaut to get behind Santorum. There is intense hatred and humiliation regarding this man among sane Pennsylvanians, and I know they will mount a strong offensive to send this sack of shit back to the 14th century where he came from -- but the same stupid assholes who were fooled into voting for Bush will vote for Santorum, because his campaign will make him look like a nice decent guy, etc.

PA went for Kerry -- so it well may be able to dispel Ricky. But it will not be easy. Additionally -- the redneck wacko militia demographic is rising in PA (they are coming here from Oregon and Michigan for some reason), which might make things a bit tougher.

[CatholicEdHead]

14. Expect the "moral issues" to be heavily played

since Santourm is a ultra-conservative Catholic. Read up on the ultra-conservative Catholice Answers voting guide. You will hear these same 5 over and over again.
http://www.catholic.com/library/voters_guide.asp

These social issues from the guide WILL be drilled into the ground by the GOP.
1. Abortion
2. Euthansia
3. Embronic Stem Cell Research
4. Human Cloing
5. Gay Marriage

If you can turn the tables on Santorum's Catholic views it is encouraging. They are much too narrow for most Catholics and others. Read up and study the National Catholic Reporter's broader social issues and Santourum will be shown as way out of touch on the conservative side.

This is not to say that economic/tax issues will not be tossed out, but outside of PA, Santorum has a more social issue reputation than economic one.