HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding Governor Ed Rendell’s statement that Joe Sestak should have attended the debate today.

“Even Democratic Governor Ed Rendell thinks Joe Sestak should have been at the debate today,” Gleason said.  “The people of Pennsylvania deserve to hear where the candidates running in these elections stand.  With all the critical issues facing Pennsylvania and our nation, it is very important that candidates use these forums to let voters know where they stand.

“I guess I am not surprised to see that Joe Sestak ended up passing on this forum.  Clearly, he is worried about exposing his support of the stimulus, ObamaCare, cap-and-trade energy tax and tax increases on small business and the middle class.  He is trying to hide his extreme liberal viewpoints from the voters of Pennsylvania.”
A WHTM-27 News Update tonight highlighted the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Forum with U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey.  Governor Ed Rendell when asked about Sestak’s absence said:

“I think it’s important for all of our candidates to participate in all of the different debates,” Rendell said. “And the Chamber certainly has had a history of debates. I attended the Chamber debate both times I ran for governor.” (WHTM ABC-27, 9/27/10)

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