WASHINGTON - An Internet entrepreneur who has never run for political office said yesterday he would seek election to the U.S. Senate, bucking Democratic Party leaders who have already lined up behind another Pennsylvania candidate.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/6466284.htmCharlie Crystle, a 36-year-old software developer who has never run for political office, said Tuesday he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat, bucking party leaders who have already lined up behind Democratic Rep. Joseph Hoeffel...
But Crystle said his candidacy should "strengthen the Democratic Party" by offering voters a choice.
Crystle, who has said he made $5 million in 1999 when he sold his share of a software company that he helped found, said he will spend up to $1 million of his own money on the campaign. At last count, Hoeffel had $235,630 in the bank but has said he hopes to raise as much as $10 million.
Crystle's "entry into the race certainly doesn't help the Democrats' ability to prevail in the fall," said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney. "We do not need a divisive primary, and quite frankly, I think the support is solidifying for Congressman Hoeffel."
Specter, meanwhile, has $8.6 million in his campaign account, and Toomey has $1.5 million.
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On the Net:
Charlie Crystle for Senate:
http://www.charliecrystle.com/ Crystle is running against the DLC candidate Hoeffel in PA for the US Senate. Let's get behind Crystle, Hoeffel supported Bush's invasion of Iraq, Crystle said it was wrong. Hoeffel is relying on corporate supporters and the establishment, while Crystle says he's going to be about the people. If you are in Penn, get involved to elect Crystle!