Reply #6: Would Heinz Kerry run? [View All]

[mndemocrat_29]

If she would, I think she'd probably be the best candidate. However, other really good candidates would be:

Bob Casey, Jr.-His father was a superstar governor. He received 43.80 percent in the 2002 primary, so he'll have a statewide campaign behind him. He's well-liked, and currently running for State Treasurer, I believe.

Catherine Baker Knoll-The first woman elected Lt. Governor, she'd be excellent. She'd have the Rendell machine backing her, and would have name recognition. She's also a former State Treasurer. She seems poised to make the jump to the national stage, and this would be the perfect opportunity to do it (knocking off a famous senator).

State Sen. Alyson Schwartz-She'll likely be a congresswoman by then, and if she is, she'll be a frontrunner here.

Rep. Joe Hoeffel-If his campaign against Specter is really close, and yet he loses, he would likely be given a second shot here. However, I'd much rather him be helping one of the other candidates campaign as a sitting senator.

State Sen. Connie Williams-Rumor has it that she passed on the 2004 race for the House to look at this race. However, it would've been much more impressive had she run and beaten Gerlach. Then she would've been viewed as the kind of candidate who could slay an incumbent.

Barbara Hafer-She's a top notch candidate (as State Treasurer). However, she'd first have to become a Democrat and second, she'd be better off winning an election as a Democrat. If she could knock out Rep. Melissa Hart, she'd likely be the frontrunner here.

Robert Borski-He didn't challenge Joe Hoeffel in 2002 in the primary, yet he's fairly young and most likely will seek another race. Since he hasn't jumped into the race for Hoeffel's empty House seat, he's likely looking ahead to 2006, when he'd be able to take on Santorum. His willingness to avoid a messy primary in 2002 will help him out in 2006.

And one candidate who would've been good...

Patrick Casey-He ran for the House in 1998 and 2000 against Don Sherwood. Had he won either race, he'd be the frontrunner for 2006. In fact, he'd probably be the clear-the-field candidate. However, without some experience in the House, Casey isn't going to be the candidate.

Overall, this looks like a superb bunch of candidates. If any of them were to run, they'd have to be top notch and would be a fine addition to the U. S. Senate.