US Voters Reject Incumbents of Both Parties

19 May 2010

Senator Arlen Specter gives his concession speech to supporters on stage with his wife Joan Specter, center, and son Shanin Specter, right, in Philadelphia, 18 May 2010

American voters appear to have taken out their anger and frustration at Washington, D.C, voting for the challenger over the incumbent in three of four major congressional races across the country. Analysts say this is likely to be a very tough year for current officeholders in the November congressional elections.

Democratic Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania saw his 30-year Senate career come crashing to an end Tuesday night, losing to Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak in a Democratic primary vote.

Specter had been a Republican senator up until last year, when he switched to the Democratic Party, with the backing of President Barack Obama. His challenger, Joe Sestak, broadcast blistering TV ads saying Specter had switched parties because he was worried about saving one job - his own. Congressman Sestak savored his victory late Tuesday.

"Too many career politicians are a bit too concerned with keeping their jobs, rather than serving the public, rather than helping people," said Sestak. "This is what democracy looks like. A win for the people over the establishment, over the status quo, even over Washington, D.C."

Sestak will now face Republican candidate Pat Toomey in the November election for this key senate seat.