Huge Tiny Mistake throws it venerable weight (almost 50 people a day check the site out, we're bigger than Jesus!!!) behind Bob Casey Jr. for the Democratic Primary coming up on May 16th. After considering Chuck Pennachio, a man who loves history like us, and checking out Alan Sandals, the conclusion has been reached that Bob Casey Jr. is the best chance for Democrats to win the state of Pennsylvania and to would be the best option for Senator, regardless of party.
Sure, he may oppose something I like (NAFTA and CAFTA), but his opinion on abortion is more realistic than the other candidates, in that we should be looking to reduce the need for it, and improve the lives of single mothers with childcare, healthcare, etc. Sandals does not even support parental notification, while Pennachio supports only that restriction on abortion. Sandals says on his website that abortion should be 'safe, legal, and rare' and yet takes no actual position to make certain is becomes rarer and rarer. To deny that abortion is a messy thing in our society is naive, and to suggest that families shouldn't make this decision together is also naive. Children under 18, and they are children, simply can't handle abortion alone, and need a support system of their families first, then Planned Parenthood, then family planning, should they choose to keep the child.
Casey also takes a realistic approach to gun control, education, and healthcare reform. While I see nothing bad about universal healthcare, the practical approach to this says that legislation like that would never pass in such a divided Congress, and a more realistic approach is needed.
Sure, Pennachio seems like a decent option, and in another race he may be a viable option. But right now Pennsylvania needs a Senator that will be representative of them, and that is Bob Casey Jr. Alan Sandals seems like a long-shot either way, does not want to put a cap on punitive damage awards in tort cases, and says that the federal government should 'invoke a moratorium on outsourcing'...which cannot be done. That is far too much meddling with the private sector, and outsourcing of jobs is natural and DOES show growth of the economy and the advancement of our nation. Those who worry about outsourcing should look at Pennsylvania's archaic tax structure on corporations and small businesses, not on the trade agreements that help nations grow their economies. Tie human dignity in with trade agreements; don't do away with the agreements. This goes for Pennachio and Casey as well, as both seems rather isolationist on the economy.
Casey's thoughts on the matter of outsourcing have no doubt been influenced by the loss of manufacturing jobs in Scranton, but his realistic approaches to other issues of policy make sense for Pennsylvania and for the nation. One doesn't have to agree with everything a candidate believes, just a lot of it as well as their approach.
Thanks for posting
This is going to be an important race to discuss and keep people aware of.
In the days to come, it would be great to see well-reasoned opinions on the political races that will affect most of us, especially the Senate and Governor races.
I'd personally like to see similar pieces from Pennacchio and Sandals supporters... dare I say, even from a Santorum supporter???
really?
to some of us Bob Casey looks like Santorum in a donkey suit...is he any better, or more of the same? Should we vote for someone just because they are a democrat with the best chance? Pennachio and Sandals shouldn't be ignored. They have merit
SantorumBlog.com
Howard, you should read SantorumBlog.com.
I, we, are covering all the angles.
like Frank Alex...
Please feel free to post why you support Santorum. Like Howard, I hope others do the same on their choosen candidates.
Karl, that's a good idea. I
Karl, that's a good idea. I will encourage the other SantorumBloggers to do the same on our site. Allow me to shamelessly link whore, I would say "Read SantorumBlog everyday! (don't forget Threesources.com)."
At the risk of starting a flame war, which changes no one's mind... I support the Senator for a number of reasons. I'm a bit of an odd duck politically, a self-styled and labelled libertarian conservative.
I agree with his pro-life, ANWR, social security reform positions. I like tax cuts, and a return to the constitutional role of judges. He's pro-active on foreign policy, particularly the situation in Israel w/ Hamas, the looming crisis in Iran, the continuing war in Iraq and the war on terror.
That's not to say I don't disagree with the Senator. I disagree with his position on the minimum wage (states should feel free to change if it need be) and with him and the Senate, the House and the President on continued expansion of the federal budget, porkbarrel spending in general. Domestically, I think a less involved less spending federal government would do us all a favor.
You're probably thinking "what about Bob Casey? He's pro-life, pro-Alito, etc"... and that's a fair statement. But he's not pro-my other stuff (ANWR, SS reform, etc). Santorum is also a Republican which means he votes for Republican leadership in the Senate. At this time, my interests are not served by a Senate Majority Leader Reid, or committee chairs Kennedy, Leahy, Byrd or Feinstein.
I like Pennacchio's idea of a balanced budget amendment, but I don't get a vote for him on May 16th.
expanded...
I expand on it here.
http://santorumblog.com/2006/04/supporting-senator.html
Great post
Thank you for this thoughtful review of why you are for Bob Casey. I have been a Casey supporter for some time now and Huge Tiny Mistake has inspired me to get my reasoning down in an upcoming post at next direction
A previous next direction post was the start of that position but as it was St Patty's Day next had to run off to celebrate.
together we can make pennsylvania better
not a Dem
To me, a person who is:
*Against: choice, universal healthcare, withdrawal from Iraq, living wage, embryonic stem cell research, forcing pharmacists to dispense medicines based on their personal beliefs, public financing of elections, renewing the assault weapons ban, censure of this President, calling the illegal NSA wiretapping illegal, raising taxes on the richest, rolling back tax cuts.
*For: extremist SCOTUS judges like Alito and Roberts, overturning Roe v Wade, meddling in personal affairs like in Schiavo, accepting PAC money
*And then refuses to debate in front of a Philadelphia-area audience which holds 20% of the state's registered Dems
Is not a Democrat to me. Sure there are candidates whom I've supported who have some of the above positions, but I can't think of a single Democrat who holds all of those stances; if any of the above is incorrect, please let me know, but I'm pretty confident in that list. I'm a Chuck Pennacchio supporter [and volunteer] through and through and I'll write a post on why at another point. Remember, this is a primary we're talking about here and the Progressive Democrat in the race is Chuck Pennacchio.
Agreed
You are SO right when you say that "right now Pennsylvania needs a Senator that will be representative of them".
Trouble is, I don't see how you can possibly conclude that Bob Casey Junior represents Pennsylvanians.
Let's look at the issues on which Casey Junior departs from the Democractic Party and his opponent Chuck Pennacchio.
Junior wants to overturn Roe v. Wade and ban abortions. But 54% of Pennsylvanians do not want to ban abortion and something approaching 60% think -- unlike Junior -- that Roe is settled law. Nope, Junior isn't that representative there.
How's about Iraq? Pick your issue -- the decision to go to war? 55% of PA voters (that's ALL voters, it is 70% of the Democrats) say it was a bad idea. Junior? He's for it. Getting out? 65% of Pennsylvanians say they want an exit strategy. Junior? No exit Strategy. Prosecution of the war? Most Pennsylvanians (again, that's ALL Pennsylvanians, not just Ds) say they flubbed it. Junior -- nope, he's backing his President on that one.
Indeed, Bob Casey, unlike EVERYONE in Pennsylvania (except that crank on the corner, but he's drunk) says he'd support a bombing Iran.
The anti-woman, anti-labor Alito? Well, Junior votes with Rick Santorum and against the rest of his party and his Democratic constiuents on that one, too.
Stem cell research --- oops, not here either. Junior wants to stifle science, UNLIKE the majority of Pennsylvanians.
Letting Gay couples adopt --- nope, Junior's on the record opposing that (to be fair he is also on the record as not opposing it -- it all depends on who he's talking to and who's money he's trying to take). Pennsylvania Democrats want equal rights for those Gay couples.
Allowing pharmacies to refuse to fill birth control scripts? Juniors WAY in the minority on this one, too.
Renew assualt weapons ban? -- Sorry, Pennsylvanians, but Bob Junior isn't going to represent you on this one either (and don't try to sneek in any child safety locks, either. Gotta keep those pistols handy for the kiddies.)
So, tell me, on just what issues does Junior represent the majority of Democrats in this State? Show me an issue on which Junior is in the majority of Dems and Chuck Pennacchio is in the minority?
Well, at least junior is willing to go to debates in the major population centers of the state . . . oh . . . wait . . . .
Tom Ford
Your percentages are very
Your percentages are very flawed. I've seen studies done on abortion and people are not as for abortion as many of hte advocates would like to think.
Also, there's no room for gradation in any of your little responses.
I really don't feel the need to respond to a lot of your baseless attacks.
Might be Worthwhile Reading
if nextdirection didn't have a moderated comments blog which allows it to refuse to publish comments that disagree.
Well, now
Isn't that special?
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x11379.xml?ReleaseID=873
Just one example (of many). This "little" poll says 53% of Pennsylvanians (again, everyone, not just the Dems that Junior supposedly is), want abortion legal.
Baseless? Here are some links to Junior on the record:
http://www.chuck2006.com/caseyfacts.asp
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/3/75516/13731
Kinda says something when the candidate's supporters either don't know what he stands for or try to run from it, doesn't it?
Fractioning the party
Bob Casey is tearing apart the party. People are spending so much time justifying why they are voting for him that they are forgetting issues that matter. Issues like living wage, ending this needless war, and protecting equal rights for all citizens. Why else would you feel the need to apologize for voting for him? Stop apologizing and start supporting someone that you really like.
Base for attacks
More base for the "baseless" attacks lets just let Casey himself weigh in on these issues.
Bob Casey in His Own Words:
On Stem Cell Research:
“I support the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research and would oppose the Castle bill to expand federal support of embryonic stem cell research.”
On the Influence of Religion on His Role as a Public Official:
“My Catholic faith and the values reflected in that faith have always had a profound impact on me as a person and as a public official. I try to live up to the teachings of my faith in my personal life and in my public life. “
On Abortion Rights:
“As a pro-life Democrat, I have a different position on abortion than many national elected officials and that’s why an organization like NARAL won’t support me in the campaign.”
“Most Americans people recognize [the right to privacy] to some degree or another, and I think that some privacy-related court decisions… are correct. But let me add that I do draw a line. The right to privacy does not trump the right of the unborn.” "You can’t say you have a position I have and not believe that [Roe v Wade should be overturned].” "You can't have it both ways and say, 'I am pro-choice but,' or 'I am pro-life but."
Lancaster County Action Questionnaire asked whether Casey supported a woman's 'right to abortion. He responded 'Oppose.'
On Equal Rights for Gays:
“I don’t support gay marriage, but I also don’t support a constitutional amendment banning it. That would be tremendously divisive. However, I do support same sex unions that would give gay couples all the rights, privileges and protections of marriage.”
But he responded differently to a Questionnaire that asked: What is your position on government requiring that benefits be provided to same sex partners? Casey’s response: “Oppose”
Questionnaire: What is your position on legislation allowing homosexuals to adopt children? Casey’s response: “Oppose”
On the Iraq War:
“I don’t think we were intentionally mislead [in the runup to the war in Iraq].”
“I don’t think you can, as a matter of policy, articulate a long-term strategy if you don’t have the facts to make that determination.”
"Once [Iraq] was underway, like a lot of Americans, I was supportive of what our troops were trying to do there, based on what we were told by our government. We found out later the intelligence was, at best, faulty and, at worst, misleading. We can learn a lot of lessons from that, but the key thing now is to finish the job."
“Some people think that pulling out is a good idea and a timeline is a good idea -- I don't agree with that.”
On Congressional Intervention in the Terry Schiavo Case:
"I think you should err on the side of life. I think some kind of congressional review was appropriate.”
On Display of The Ten Commandments in Government Buildings:
"I don't oppose [such displays]. I do think politicians spend a lot more time talking about that question than trying to live the 10 Comandments. No matter what your religious beliefs, there are some universal truths in those commandments that we all ought to live by."
On the Death Penalty:
Questionnaire: What is your position on repealing the death penalty in Pennsylvania? Casey’s Answer: “Oppose”
“I believe that the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for those who have committed heinous crimes.”
On Gun Control:
"I've been a strong supporter of the second amendment, the right to bear arms. That's evidenced not just by what I've said but the support I've gotten over the last decade from sportsmen's groups, including the NRA."
“I don't think [the people of Pennsylvania] want battles to take place on a whole list of laws and regulations that impact gun owners and the right to bear arms."
"Casey is not only not with us on this stuff, but he's a little bit hostile," said Peter Hamm of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
On the Patriot Act:
"The agreement on the PATRIOT Act reauthorization is a victory in the war on terror and a triumph of bipartisanship. This agreement should clear the way for the renewal of this vital law and will continue to give law enforcement the tools that they need to target terrorists and prevent another terrorist attack. We cannot let the PATRIOT Act expire and we cannot give the terrorists an opening to plan another attack. I am pleased that the reauthorization addressed some of the issues regarding the protection of the rights of Americans.”
On the Nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court:
"...the arguments against Judge Alito do not rise to the level that would require a vote denying him a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court."
On Warrantless NSA Wiretaps:
"I think we should be making sure we give law enforcement and federal agents the tools they need to fight terrorism."
And on their legality: "Well, that is a judgment that lawyers are going to make," said Casey, a lawyer.
Honestly
Yeah I hate that crap. But I'll try again anyway. I'll post just Casey's own words like I did here and not even a zing comment of my own.
Casey can't win
Your picking Casey because you think he is best to defeat Santorum? Casey the guy who has never won a tough race ever? The guy who turned a 17 point lead into a 12 point loss?
I know what happened when Casey had his forth time running statewide this time against...I can't remember (nobody can) for an obscure statewide position of which he was actually qualified.
But this is a broader policy position and it isn't against a nobody. All of the research polls indicate we need to draw a clear distinction between Santorum and the guy we run.
Chuck has won tougher US Senate races as a manager. In fact those hard right Senators actually had good favorable ratings. Chuck has the 6,000 volunteers, county level organizations and positions the majority of PAers will like.
Took Next Off My List
It's not worth the time to read someone's fan mail to themselves. Even the Santorum blog allows comment (and it's actually kinda well-written and informative).
Aww C'mon
Don't ya have just ONE?
ONE -- One issue on which Junior is in the demonstrable majority of Pennsylvania Democrats and Chuck Pennacchio is in the minority?
. . . . Oh well, thanks for tryin' anyway.
TF
Frank said:
Your percentages are very
Submitted by frank_pentangeli on April 11, 2006 - 12:46pm.
Your percentages are very flawed. I've seen studies done on abortion and people are not as for abortion as many of hte advocates would like to think.
Also, there's no room for gradation in any of your little responses.
I really don't feel the need to respond to a lot of your baseless attacks.
»
Oh, BTW
The blog from which this post was cribbed is also a "moderated" (read: "i don't need ta listen to nuttin but my own stinkin head") comment-type blog.
quadruplets of irritation
Dear Might be Worthwhile Reading by Anonymous Coward ,Honestly by Anonymous Coward ,Took Next Off My List by Anonymous Coward ,Oh, BTW by Anonymous Coward :
Hmmm. are you sure that YOU aren't all the same person, or quadruplets seperated at birth?
little angel of discord sent from heaven above to get frank's back (and no, I'm not him, I'm much cuter!)
ricky = bobby
yep, they are one and the same..really...heard on a blog that santorum cloned himself and all he could come up with was casey
ha ha ha ha
trying to make light of equally sucky choices for us senate
the irony
of calling out anonymous cowards when you yourself are an anonymous coward.
but, if you're having login problems or mistakenly commented without logging in [because that's a very new feature] all is forgiven. if not, well, just soak in the irony.
i resemble that remark
"quadruplets of irritation" is MOI! I admit it...I was logged in, but when I went to post I came up as an anonymouse...so watch it "flash yee" (said with love because your photos are great), i was getting the back of my pal frank (because at least when i disagree with him he knows who it is)
so now that everyone knows it is that mouthy dame, i am sure the mommies of the quads will reprimand me soundly....
errr
did you read over that part where i wrote
but, if you're having login problems or mistakenly commented without logging in [because that's a very new feature] all is forgiven.? all is forgiven.
yes...i can read..but..
errr...i felt like TEASING you anyway....sigh...where's the love....
xxxooo
honestly
I'd rather support someone who currently has a double-digit lead over a first-time candidate who's been running for a year yet still hasn't boosted his name recognition into double digits AMONG DEMOCRATS a month before the election.
Well, EX-CUUUUUUSE Me!
(Sorry if that's a dated reference)
A couple or three of those ACs are me. But I did register with this site. Six hours later, I still have not received the promised email & password.
BUT I did sign my name to the first post & initials to later ones. Frankly, I don't see any qualitative difference between anonymous posters & registered users with cute nicknames.
I pretty much always use my real name when I post. I think the online community is stronger when people are known.
Tom Ford
This is exactly what I'm
This is exactly what I'm talking about, you leave no room for gradation:
# 7 percent who say abortion should be legal in all cases;
# 36 percent who say abortion should be legal in most cases;
# 25 percent who say abortion should be illegal in most cases;
# 16 percent who say abortion should be illegal in all cases.
How does any of that lead up to 53% 'support abortion'? I mean come on, in another thread there was someone that said that abortion in the case of rape is a case where you can't look at abortion black/white and yet you are doing this here.
Who's Got a Double-Digit Lead?
Certainly not Junior. He's gone from 20 up to 8 up, and trending down. His favorables are also going down. Sound familiar?
TF
BTW
I think this is the most comments I've ever recieved...I must've done something right.
You Misquote The Poll
In your haste, you, umm, let's just say, had a typo.
What I said was that 53% support legal abortions. Here's what the poll ACTUALLY says (as opposed to your, err, "typo"):
So it is 17% (not your 7) who say ALWAYS legal and 36% who say MOSTLY. 36 + 17 equals . . . .
Apology accepted.
Now, how about showing me ONE --- JUST ONE --- issue on which Bob Casey Junior is in the majority and on which Chcuk Pennacchio is in the minority.
Tom Ford
Well, then, start ACTING like a Democrat
Dump Santorum
Reject Casey
Elect CHUCK
www.CHUCK2006.com
Dear Anonymous Coward
A few ??? and comments:
1. I have never moderated/deleted comments (the post I listed had a couple of ugly comments)
2. I'm a relative new to website stuff. Didn't realize that on Blogger you could have moderated comments (actually I don't get the dastardly implications of having moderation)I just don't want spam posts.
3.Turned my modifications off as I have never used that feature.
4. What do you refer to when you use the term "cribbed" That is a strong accusation. I have never taken anything without proper attribution.
5. Fan mail? I was referencing my own post to show "I made a huge tiny mistake" that I was on the same page with him.
I thought that this site was about the exchange of ideas?
Tom Ford
1. How do we know your name is Tom Ford
and
2. How do you know my name is not actually Next Direction?
A few answers
1. You deleted/refused to post at least three of my comments to your "OMG Bobby Casey is sooooo awwwsum" posts
2. Yeah, well, that's nice.
3. Have no idea what you're talking about
4. I wasn't talking to you. And it isn't an "allegation". Frank reposted this from the huge big ms. steak blog or whatever it is called and that was a reference to that fact.
5. You missed the point
L&K
Tom Ford
Well, then, start ACTING like a Democrat
Dump Santorum
Reject Casey
Elect CHUCK
www.CHUCK2006.com
Again
Casey's numbers have barely moved over the course of a year. Pennacchio has been building THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION since the summer of 2004 and can't even convince 10% of PA Democrats to know that he EXISTS.
Casey At the Bat
Please read to the end of the poem. Too, too apt, I fear. By the way, I'm not an Anonymous Coward, but I *am* relatively blog-illiterate and couldn't figure out how to get my name on there. I'm Stephanie, and here's my website: http://www.symmetrysinger.com. Go Chuck!!!!
Casey At The Bat
by Ernest L. Thayer
The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day,
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair.
The rest clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast.
They thought, "if only Casey could but get a whack at that.
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."
But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake;
and the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake.
So upon that stricken multitude, grim melancholy sat;
for there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all.
And Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball.
And when the dust had lifted,
and men saw what had occurred,
there was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
it rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
it pounded through on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat;
for Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place,
there was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
no stranger in the crowd could doubt t'was Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt.
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then, while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
and Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped --
"That ain't my style," said Casey.
"Strike one!" the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
like the beating of the storm waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand,
and it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity, great Casey's visage shone,
he stilled the rising tumult, he bade the game go on.
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew,
but Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two!"
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
and they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer has fled from Casey's lip, the teeth are clenched in hate.
He pounds, with cruel violence, his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
and now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright.
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light.
And, somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout,
but there is no joy in Mudville --
mighty Casey has struck out.
Casey Has Fallen 12 points
Hate to confuse your opinion with the facts, but . . . .
Casey was 20 up on Santorum in November:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/Pennsylvania%20Senate%20Nov%2010.htm
Casey is now at 8 points head to head vs Santorum:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1092
AND Casey's favorables? 57% in November '05, about 36% today.
Umm
A look at the comments doesn't suggest to me that the something you did was "right" -- unless by "right" you refer to where Casey stands on the political spectrum. But, you did generate some interest.