The 2010 midterm elections don’t appear to excite Penn students. But the election results have enormous significance. At a time when the country faces major challenges both at home and abroad, students would be foolish not to get informed and vote.
When students registered to vote in Pennsylvania head to the polls on May 18 or vote by absentee ballot, they will vote in the primaries for a number of state and national races. For the U.S. Senate contests, we endorse Penn alumnus and incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter for the Democratic primary and former Rep. Pat Toomey for the Republican primary.
Democratic primary: Arlen Specter
For nearly 30 years, Specter has garnered results for Pennsylvanians. His experience is an asset, and we think he would continue to deliver if re-elected.
Specter has helped Congress allocate billions of dollars to the state. Because of his experience and relationships with others in Washington, he is in a good position to continue securing the funding Pennsylvania needs.
The senator’s work and positions on a number of domestic issues will benefit students. He is interested in increasing access to Pell Grants and student loans. He supported the recent health care reform bill, which will allow students to be covered by their parents’ insurance until they turn 27. And students will find Specter to be like-minded on social issues such as abortion.
Rep. Joe Sestak, Specter’s opponent, has many of the same positions. Some students will appreciate that he is more liberal than Specter, who was a Republican until recently. But Specter has always been independent-minded. As Congress is becoming increasingly partisan, it is necessary to have Senators who are willing to reach across the aisle and break party ranks.
Republican primary: Pat Toomey
Toomey’s past national experience makes him the stronger candidate in the Republican primary. As a three-term Congressman from 1999 to 2005, Toomey has knowledge of how Washington works that would serve him well if elected and would help him gain the respect of his colleagues.
Additionally, Toomey shows a willingness to find some common ground with politicians with opposing viewpoints. For example, Toomey is pro-life, but has made it clear on his website that he would support policies that encourage adoption over abortion — which pro-choice Senators may also be able to get behind.
Activist Peg Luksik, Toomey’s opponent in the primary, lacks his public-office experience and is more extreme in her conservative beliefs. We’re not sure how willing she would be to compromise with Democrats.
There is a reason why Toomey was endorsed by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania: the organization believes he has the right qualifications. Likewise, we think he has the skills to be a competent Senator.
