Sestak to run for Senate, paves way for Welch

Edit: added Welch’s official statement.

According to our good friends at PA2010.com, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-Penn.) will run against incumbent Sen. Arlen Spector (D-Penn.) in the Democratic primary for Senate.
Sestak’s attempted move to the upper chamber should come as no surprise to those following the race, as Sestak has been telegraphing the move for months.
The lack of a Democrat incumbent in the seventh district makes local entrepreneur and Republican candidate Steve Welch‘s quest for the seat much easier. In the previous two elections, the incumbent has won reelection 94 percent of the time.
Welch, who we interviewed two weeks ago, is a co-founder of DreamIt Ventures.
While Sestak hasn’t officially announced his Senate campaign, he has indicated to the press that he will make a “major announcement” this morning at 8:30 a.m on his Web site.

PA2010.com reports that Sestack will hold several press events, culminating with a visit on the Colbert Report on Wednesday night.
Despite switching parties earlier in the year, Senator Arlen Spector has received support from Governor Rendell and President Obama. Rendell has publicly stated his preference that Sestak remain a congressman.
“Joe Sestak doesn’t even have good name recognition in neighboring Philadelphia,” the governor told Poltico ealier last month.

Sestak’s choice to run for the Senate also opens the door for State Representative Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) to take his place as the Democatic nominee.
The seventh district covers much of Delaware county, extending to King of Prussia.
As of Monday night, Welch’s Web site has not acknowledged Sestak’s run for Senate.
Edit: Welch has released an offical statement:
“I said from the beginning whether it was Joe Sestak or anyone else who believes huge deficits and government expansions are the answers to our problems, I am running on a message of accountability and responsible results. While Joe wants a promotion based on his track record, the real winner today is the 7th District who will have a fresh look at who can help turn this economy around and spur job creation.”