News

January 6, 2010

Sestak: D.C. in need of ‘new generation’

Public plan option for health care important to Dem challenger to Sen. Specter.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak said he will bring “accountable leadership” to the U.S. Senate if voters choose him over incumbent Democrat Arlen Specter in the May primary.

“I want to provide the values and hard work needed to strengthen America’s national security,” Sestak said. “I want to improve our economic, health, education, energy/environmental and defense security. It’s time for a new generation of leader to assume responsibility; it’s time for change.”

Sestak met with The Times Leader Editorial Board on Monday to discuss issues – the first on his mind, health care.

Sestak, 58, of Delaware County, said the country needs “a system” with a public plan option that will ensure affordable, accessible and quality care through a shared responsibility between society and government.

He said the health-care system needs reform. He has proposed shifting from fee-for-service programs, paying providers adequately, giving patients the same choices as members of Congress, sharing the costs, expanding transitional health tax credits, instituting mental health parity, improving performance in treating chronic disease and increasing the use of health information technology.

Sestak was elected to Congress in 2006 to represent the 7th District. He served in the U.S. Navy for 31 years, attaining the rank of three-star admiral. Sestak said he is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to serve in Congress.

“We must restore the promise to our children that they will have the opportunity to do better than their parents,” Sestak said.

Sestak said he was asked to run for the Senate before Specter switched parties. He said he had planned to run against Specter after looking at the former Republican’s voting record.

“He (Specter) walked away from his party and left behind some 2,000 votes in support of the Bush administration,” Sestak said.

Now faced with a primary battle against a six-term U.S. senator, Sestak said he has toured all 67 counties in the state, meeting with voters and leaders to discuss what’s on their minds.

“People are concerned about health care, the economy and Afghanistan,” Sestak said.

Sestak said corruption scandals in Luzerne County and at the state level have made voters skeptical, to say the least.

“And that is justified,” Sestak said.

He said Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will be key areas for victory, but he said Northeastern Pennsylvania is another area he sees as vital to win the Democratic nomination.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.

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