Joe Sestak in 2016 PA Senate race
On Social Security:
Never supported policy to cut Social Security or Medicare
A lawyer representing Sestak's campaign committee wrote to Allentown's WFMZ-TV, one of the stations airing the ad from Women Vote, the independent expenditure arm of Emily's List. His attorney argues that the 30-second spot is "false and misleading"
and should be removed. "Joe Sestak has never introduced, outlined, supported, or voted for any plan, legislation or policy that would make cuts to Social Security or Medicare benefits," attorney Bret Binder wrote.
Source: The Morning Call on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Apr 15, 2016
On Jobs:
Increase minimum wage to $10.80 now & $15 later
Sestak said he would support an increase in the minimum wage to $10.80, with inflationary raises to eventually bring the floor to $15 an hour.[Sestak's opponents] McGinty and Fetterman both back a $15-an-hour minimum.
McGinty said numerous groups pushing for the $15 minimum wage have endorsed her (most prominently a bevy of labor unions).
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Apr 6, 2016
On Social Security:
Never raise, never, the age for our seniors to retire
Katie McGinty accused Joe Sestak of supporting cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Sestak said she was distorting his record and relying on negativity.McGinty has cited Sestak's praise for the 2010 Simpson-Bowles plan's broad deficit-reduction
blueprint, an outline that includes cuts to Social Security, to go after him on that issue.
Sestak did not let that stand. "Katie, you're wrong--here's why--you should remember, as I do as a Catholic, the
Eighth Commandment," he said, citing the order to not bear false witness against a neighbor. He said he has publicly advocated that "we should never raise, never, the age for our seniors to retire." Sestak also said he voted 41 times as a congressman
to protect Social Security and Medicare.
Republicans pointed out that McGinty's campaign chairman, former Gov. Ed Rendell, has often praised the courage of lawmakers who have embraced the deficit reduction plan she is now criticizing.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Apr 6, 2016
On Civil Rights:
Anti-discrimination laws toward LGBT are long overdue
Laws protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations are long overdue, and we need trusted advocates - actually, warriors - in the Senate to move this fight forward. In my 31-year career in the U.S. Navy,
I served alongside many LGBT Americans who were all committed to defending our nation. I had the fortune to lead and serve under some of these fine men and women who simply wanted to get the job done. They would have died for me, and I for them.
Source: Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Nov 30, 2015
On Corporations:
Small manufacturing is on cusp of a comeback, if helped
Joe Sestak talked about supporting small businesses with more loan assistance, better job-retraining programs, and a faster path through the patent-approval process. At a machine shop, Sestak focused his comments on smaller manufacturers like Atlas.
Waving a copy of his new book detailing his policy positions, Sestak told the small crowd that he believes American manufacturing is "on the cusp of a comeback."
But small businesses need more help accessing capital through the Small Business Administration, he said, particularly those in rural areas and veteran-owned businesses.
Reducing regulations on smaller companies and providing more money for infrastructure repairs also could boost job growth, Sestak added.
Source: Mcall.com coverage of 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 7, 2015
On Free Trade:
Supports Ex-Im Bank & supports trade agreements in principle
Sestak contrasted his ideas against opponent Pat Toomey's comments about the Export-Import Bank, a federal agency that provides financing and insurance to businesses that export their products. In a recent letter to fellow senators, Toomey argued that
the bank should not be reauthorized because it is "one of the most egregious forms of corporate welfare in our government."Sestak isn't taking a position yet on a pending trade agreement that the Obama administration argues will create job
opportunities by boosting exports. Some Democrats have expressed skepticism that the deal with Japan and other Pacific countries will be beneficial to Pennsylvania.
Sestak said he wants to see the United States, not
China, helping set trade guidelines in those countries--a position that Toomey also has outlined. "In principle, I'd like to be for it, because I want to set the rules of the road for trade," Sestaksaid. "Trade is part of our national security."
Source: Mcall.com coverage of 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 7, 2015
On Free Trade:
Supports TPP in principle, but verify openly before we trust
Sestak isn't taking a position yet on a pending trade agreement [the Trans-Pacific Partnership] that the Obama administration argues will create job opportunities by boosting exports. Sestak was critical of the Obama administration's not being more
forthcoming about the trade negotiations, saying those details should be available before the president seeks a faster approval process for completing the trade deal."But don't you trust Obama?" asked one citizen. "I'm a guy that verifies before he
trusts," Sestak replied.
In an interview later, Sestak said some U.S. workers have been harmed by past trade deals, particularly those without a college degree. Better job-retraining programs should be put in place to help
workers who might be hurt by the ripple effects of a trade agreement, along with tough requirements on labor practices and environmental standards for countries that sign the eventual deal.
Source: Mcall.com coverage of 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 7, 2015
On Technology:
Faster path through patent-approval process
As Democrat Joe Sestak talked about supporting small businesses with more loan assistance, better job-retraining programs, and a faster path through the patent-approval process, he sprinkled in critiques on
Pat Toomey's record in Congress. Toomey drew fire for his votes on oil and gas subsidies, opposition to the federal Export-Import Bank and decision to sign a letter to Iranian officials.
Source: Mcall.com coverage of 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 7, 2015
Page last updated: Jul 19, 2019