Hoeffel's Seat to Be Competitive

[mndemocrat_29]

Here's teh link: http://www.rollcall.com/pub/49_60/rothenberg/3798-1.html

The district includes parts of the city of Philadelphia, a longtime Democratic bastion, and neighboring Montgomery County, a once-Republican suburban area that continues to trend Democratic. President Bush could greatly enhance his chances of carrying Pennsylvania if he can grow his vote in the 13th from the disappointing 42 percent he received in 2000. The district will be open because Rep. Joe Hoeffel (D) is running for the Senate seat held by Sen. Arlen Specter (R), a former Philadelphia district attorney and a moderate Republican who has run well in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Democratic voters are likely to choose between state Sen. Allyson Schwartz and Joe Torsella, a 40-year-old deputy mayor for policy and planning under former Philadelphia Mayor (now Gov.) Ed Rendell (D).

Ideologically, the two Democrats aren't easy to classify. While Schwartz is listed as one of the Democratic Leadership Council's "top 100 elected officials," her views and record seem generally liberal. Torsella's values and priorities don't appear all that different, but he doesn't have a voting record to defend, and that gives him greater freedom when talking about issues.

While some Republicans are urging two-time unsuccessful GOP Philadelphia mayoral nominee Sam Katz to get into the Congressional race, the current favorite for the Republican nomination is Melissa Brown.