I didn’t see this coming. Joe Sestak, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, has picked up the endorsement of Chuck Hagel:
Hagel told The Associated Press on Monday that Sestak has demonstrated during his two terms in Congress that he puts the interests of the nation and his constituents ahead of his party.
“I think he’s exactly what our country needs more of. I think he’s what the Senate needs more of — courageous, independent thinking,” Hagel said. “That’s what the job is about. You are supposed to use your judgment.”
I’m not sure if this a reflection of Hagel’s antipathy for the Club for Growth (and their candidate Pat Toomey) or more about a personal relationship with Sestak. Either way, it is a welcome development. Sestak picked up the endorsement of former-Republican and current New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg last week. It’s nice to see that Sestak is able to attract the support of moderates who used to consider themselves members of the GOP. Republicans are surging in Pennsylvania and we need all the help we can get.
