The Pennacchio-Casey Debates

First question, when will they be. Secondly, where will they be?

It's been a long time since I've written about Dr. Chuck Pennacchio, my candidate of choice for US Senate in Pennsylvania. If you recall, I had the chance to interview him earlier this year.

Here is Dr. Chuck's statement from September 9th.

Today I handed a letter to my fellow Democrat, Robert Casey, Jr., at a mutual campaign stop in Lehigh Valley. With respect and dedication to the highest ideals of our political process, I am calling for a series of seven to nine debates across our state. Like the Lincoln-Douglas Senate debates of 1858, the Pennacchio-Casey debates can help direct a state and nation in a time of crisis and exploration. The questions facing us today are no less important than those that confronted our nation in pre-Civil War America. Moreover, the answers to those crucial questions revolve around the same themes of economic opportunity, legal rights, and national security that enabled our country to emerge from one of the greatest tests -- civil war -- any society can endure.

The citizens of our Commonwealth deserve an honest, in-depth discussion that will let them see how Mr. Casey and I differ on issues of health care, the economy, education, equal rights, Iraq, global war, homeland security, and so many other challenges facing Pennsylvania and our nation.

While Bob Casey, Jr. and I have widely divergent positions on many issues, we share the solid conviction that Rick Santorum must be defeated this coming year. I am extremely confident that our cross-Pennsylvania debates will help to invigorate our democracy, energize more voters, and provide the necessary components for a Democratic Senate victory in November 2006.

If you are a reader from Pennsylvania, please send a letter to the editor at your local paper.