Casey Slings Mud

During Saturday's debate with the Democratic Senate candidates, Bobby Casey Jr. focused his answers not on his stances on positions, but on attacking Senator Rick Santorum.

"[Mr. Casey] focused most of his jabs at Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, using language aimed at reaching out to voters across the political spectrum." (Jeff Miller, "Two Democrats vying with Casey try to make a name for themselves," The Morning Call, April 9, 2006).

"Throughout the 90-minute forum at Slippery Rock University, Mr. Casey took every opportunity to turn questions against the incumbent, portraying Mr. Santorum not as a traditional conservative, but as an ideologue beyond the mainstream of American politics." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)

"Accusing Mr. Casey of vagueness, Mr. Sandals insisted he still didn't know his position on key issues. Mr. Pennacchio said of the front-runner: 'I thought it was ironic [Mr. Casey] was attacking Santorum for taking money from pharmaceutical and insurance [interests] when he's taken the same money.' Asked to respond, Mr. Casey said, 'I don't think that's accurate.' As always, he took the opportunity to turn the focus to the Republicans." (James O'Toole, "Democrat Casey, his two opponents debate in race for Santorum's seat," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 9, 2006)

"But for 90 minutes in a Slippery Rock University auditorium, Casey kept his attention mostly on the one candidate not in the room: Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.)." (Carrie Budoff, "Casey, opponents square off in first Democratic debate," The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 9, 2006).

"Bobby Casey established a well-known record when he ran for governor that negative attacks are his best defense. That track record is alive and well in the Senate race. Rather than speaking out on the important issues facing our Commonwealth and the nation, Casey prefers to attack Rick Santorum to cover up his unwillingness to take positions on the tough issues," said Vince Galko, campaign manager for Santorum 2006.

Casey continues to refuse to debate Senator Santorum, and has only agreed to two debates with his primary opponents avoiding both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for those debates.