Delaware County Daily Times: "Sestak, Williams Still at Odds Over Bailout"

Press Release

Delaware County Daily Times: "Sestak, Williams still at odds over bailout" -

By: Amy Brisson, abrisson@delcotimes.com

As the ongoing economic crisis on Wall Street shakes the presidential race, it also threatens to stir up Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District race.

Democratic incumbent Joe Sestak, of Edgmont, made a controversial decision to vote in favor of the $700 billion bailout bill that was defeated in Congress Monday. His opponent, Republican W. Craig Williams, of Concord, said he would have voted against the measure.

The bill, which was supported by the president and House leaders of both parties, failed in a 228-205 vote, with two-thirds of Republicans and 40 percent of House Democrats voting against it.

Many representatives faced overwhelming pressure against the bill coming from their constituencies, and Delaware County was no different.

Of more than 2,000 calls and e-mails Sestak's office has received in the past five days, the majority have been local residents speaking out against the bailout.

But the tide of public opinion in Delaware County appeared to shift Monday, when news of the failed vote broke and stock markets plummeted.

Just a week ago, Sestak's office counted 200 calls or e-mails against the bailout plan for every one in favor, according to one of his aides. But the day before the vote, around 15 to 20 percent were in favor of the action.

And by Monday, there was a jump to 40 percent in favor of the plan.

"As all this is becoming more obvious, people will recognize that this is something that we don't want to do, but must do," said Sestak on Tuesday, referring to the impact the economic crisis will have on residents trying to access loans for homes, school and cars. "I think you will see that people come to the regretful, and nevertheless, necessary agreement that we need to do something."

Sestak said he voted according to what he thought was necessary for the country, not what might be a popular move in the short-term.

"I had to let the chips fall as they might on this vote. This is one that the nation needed, and my district," Sestak said.

Williams criticized the proposed bill Tuesday for failing to include enough accountability measures and a restructuring of major financial institutions.

Williams said he has spoken to around 100 area residents in the past few days, and received a unanimous response.

"I'm getting overwhelming opposition. I've yet to find one who is in favor of the bailout plan," Williams said.

He added that he thought his position will capture support in the November election.

"I think people will begin to take a look at who has their best interest at heart," he said.

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