Hoeffel offers advice for potential Specter opponents

DENVER-Joe Hoeffel knows a thing or two about taking on U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.). Hoeffel, the Montgomery County Commissioner and former Congressman, tried to unseat Specter in 2004, but came up short by about 10 points.

In an interview with PolitickerPa.com this morning, Hoeffel served up some words of wisdom for whatever Democrat eventually takes on the formidable task of challenging Specter in 2010.

He said it was critical for any candidate to "stress the traditional family values and economic values that Pennsylvanians care about," calling an emphasis on so-called pocket-book issues critical to any campaign. But national security acumen, he said, is almost as important.

"The Senator's weakness is he's been too loyal to George Bush," Hoeffel said.

He said U.S. Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-Abington), Joe Sestak (D-Edgmont) and Patrick Murphy (D-Bristol) could all run such a campaign.

"There are plenty of good Democrats who could make good candidates and fine senators," Hoeffel said.

Specter, a moderate Republican known as a tenacious campaigner, has been one of the most well-entrenched incumbents in the U.S. Senate for years. Many analysts see him as more vulnerable in a primary battle, when the conservative base of the Republican Party has more sway.

And what lessons can a future Democratic candidate draw from Hoeffel's own failed bid against Specter?

"Speak clearly and boldly about your proposals," Hoeffel said. "I did that and was greatly outspent by the Senator. You need to speak with a bold vision."

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