Finally I see someone with some common sense. Chuck Pinnochio is a tool. Santorum probably paid this waste of time college professor to run to cut into a base that would be for Casey.

Hopefully you will be able to talk some sense into the rest of the "progressive" people, because they pick some real losers to bandwagon

Have either of you actually heard Chuck Pennacchio speak?

Pennacchio is devoted, honest and believable. Furthermore, he actually holds traditionally Democratic values, unlike Bob Casey, Jr. Perhaps this chart of policies (from www.chuck2006.com) will be informative:

CHUCK PENNACCHIO

On abortion – pro-choice
On stem cell research – supports
Accepts PAC money – no
War in Iraq – opposed
Troops in Iraq – out as soon as safely possible
National Health Care – supports
Raising the minimum wage – supports living wage with different levels depending on where the worker lives
NAFTA/CAFTA – opposed both
Alito confirmation to Supreme Court – supports a filibuster

Compare these with the views of Bob Casey, Jr

BOB CASEY, JR.

On abortion – pro-life
On stem cell research – opposed
Accepts PAC money – yes, but not corporate or industry
War in Iraq – supported
Troops in Iraq – stay the course
National Health Care – opposed
Raising the minimum wage – supports
NAFTA/CAFTA – opposed both
Alito confirmation to Supreme Court – supports confirmation

Anyone who does not recognize that Rick Santorum is a formidable opponent with a history of electoral success in Pennsylvania is a fool. Your attempt at satire was both ignorant and offensive. If you disagree with Pennacchio's politics, that is fine. When offering your support of Casey, a thoughtful well-reasoned essay is much more effective than questioning his sexuality through a childish diatribe calling his opponent stupid. To be frank, your post has done a disservice to Democrats. "Santorumblog" has used your post as an example of Democratic hypocrisy. Here is a link.

(http://santorumblog.com/2006/03/dems-eating-their-own-to-promote-casey.h...)

Before you write an angry, ill-informed critique of my comment, I suggest that you learn a little bit about Chuck Pennacchio. Here is a link to a radio interview with Chuck Pennacchio. Give it a listen before you write him off.

http://chuck2006.typepad.com/pennacchio_for_pennsylvan/2006/03/for_your_...

And no, I am not a paid tool for Rick Santorum. I am just one of many people who BELIEVE in Chuck Pennacchio.

Thanks for the lengthy retort. It's good to hear from someone so informed about Pennacchio. I'm sorry that you don't believe in him.

I don't understand why Alex had to spew so much vitriol toward Chuck. If you claim to be a progressive and don't think Chuck's candidacy is viable, that's fine. Be that as it may, an angry, childish rant about a fellow progressive does little to help the cause, especially when it is picked up by Santorumblog. I did read Alex's statement about being "over the top," but I remain displeased with his original post, which was rather unbecoming of anyone claiming to be a progressive. What is the point for progressives to attack Pennacchio?

To be honest, I don't see how Chuck's post can be described as a "little ode to Santorum." More than anything, it was a criticism of Casey for being unprincipled and lacking the chutzpah to debate Chuck. I think that you, Chuck, and I agree that Rick Santorum is a horrible Senator. Yes, he is corrupt and unprincipled, but at least he had the courage to offer Featherman a debate. Chuck was not calling Santorum an honorable person overall; rather, he was reflecting solely on Santorum's willingness to debate Featherman in contrast to Casey's discourteous behavior. Regarding the GOP lawyers: if Pennacchio had submitted the bare minimum number of signatures, don't you think Casey would have had the Democrats' lawyers involved?

I agree that Chuck's statement about Murtha following his lead was a little odd. But at least Pennacchio actually wants to get out of Iraq as soon as safely possible, unlike Casey, who supports staying the course. Maybe it was a weird thing to say, but that's not really the issue, is it?

Let me ask you: what precisely should Chuck do, besides have progressive values, to get elected? I get the impression that, in your eyes, money is more important than values. Are you suggesting that a candidate needs millions of dollars to be worth our time? That sounds rather antithetical to the grassroots movement. I for one am not going to support a candidate with money and no values. I respect Chuck Pennacchio's positions and will vote with my conscience.

What exactly does "progressive" mean? is it just someone a person likes so now they are progressive? or it is that someone who is not an incumbent is now "progressive?

There are plenty of current legislators in office who are doing a wonderful job of defending people everyday.

You are not "progressive" when you are more concerned about gas bills and proper housing as opposed to water free toilets and "smoke free". I have more respect for legislators who work on real issues. If you work to make sure children are getting an education, people have housing and reasonably priced medication. Smoke all of you want, flush the toilet a thousand times a day.

We need to get serious as Democrats as to what are important issues to people and stop pretending that other things are going to build an electorate, Republicans have won on issues that are important to people and focus on issues, whether they meant what they said is where Democrats come in to make sure they do. Lets support the people who are dealing with real issues whether you want to term them "progessive" or not. Lets not worry about terminology but about results.

Yes your right younger people should wait their turn when running for office. It seems to me that people are taking elected office like a joke and anyone can do it. There are a handful of people out who have done no work in the community, yet somehow believe that they deserve to be state legislators it is an illness, it is kind of like never have been a teacher and now you become a principal it just shouldn't happen.

And yes when your an elected official you should live a to a higher code than most so being convicted of accepting bribes is the same of driving without a license, they each shown a disregard for the law.

And when people can't pay their heating bill, or buy their kids food, or adequate housing, I wonder what they think of dredging or sewage, or smoking in restaurants?

What do you think their opinion would be. Your problem is you think you are high and mighty and must be right on everything. To become successful in any arena that you want to be successful at grow up, see that people can not afford to take a vacation to Miami, and they are the base of Democratic Party especially here in Philadelphia, and the people that "progressive" people have been ignoring and should start to pay attention to then maybe some of them might win an election.

I am amazed you found me out well if you like go to the R.D.A. web site or the website for the City look me up and call me I'll be around my full last name is McMichaelson.

Can you autograph the picture for me as well?