Sestak counts down to Election Day

In an attempt to increase voter turnout, Congressman Joe Sestak participated in the Philadelphia 30- Day Countdown.

The Countdown, which took place on Independence Mall, was a stage for Sestak to state his opinions on various issues thirty days before Election Day on Nov. 2.

The event featured brief speeches from Pennsylvania Congressman Bob Brady, College junior and Penn Democrats President Emma Ellman-Golan, Mayor and Penn alumnus Michael Nutter, Sestak’s wife Susan Clark-Sestak and Sestak himself. Each speaker emphasized the importance of taking action and reminding others to vote in the upcoming election.

Brady explained that 30 percent of voters in the Philadelphia area are currently undecided, thus making them less likely to vote in the election. The speakers each expressed an interest in targeting young voters specifically.

College junior Ted Koutsoubas, Campus Coordinator of Penn for Sestak and former Daily Pennsylvanian photo manager, hopes that the event will increase support among young voters.

“Homework can wait until Nov. 3,” Ellman-Golan said.

Each speaker addressed the impact of the Tea Party in political races and stated their disapproval of Sestak’s opponent, Republican candidate Pat Toomey. Specifically, Ellman-Golan stated that Toomey — whose policies were likened to the Tea Party’s at the event — will continue Bush tax cuts and vote to destroy the policies that Obama has been working to reform.

“The Tea Party candidate will stifle the President’s agenda,” Mayor Nutter said.

Sestak focused on discussing the influence that public service has on his campaign and his devout focus on fighting for change in Congress. He spoke of his policies on credit card reform, student loan reform and reform that will bring about deregulating Wall Street. Recently, Sestak founded an education committee that is working to decrease student-loan interest payment and create five million jobs available to recent college graduates. “I want to restore the ideals that so many of us had when we went to college,” Sestak said.

Sestak also stated his commitment to being a friend to the community and the state. The overall atmosphere was one of hope and working to continue the political changes that have happened in the past two years. “The change that began two years ago needs to continue. We need to make sure that hope is turned into reality,” Sestak said.

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