(Cross-posted at Daily Kos) It's become clear that one of Sen. Specter's main arguments against his primary challenger, Congressman Joe Sestak, will be "Sestak missed a bunch of votes in the House." His campaign has even put up a "No Show Joe" website, and Specter recently "compared Rep. Joe Sestak’s missed votes in Congress to going AWOL while serving in the Navy." (Seriously, he said that.)

On Tuesday the US Senate Environment and Public Works committee started hearings about the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.

To kick off the festivities the Sierra Club gathered with citizens at 17th and Arch (EPA Mid-Atlantic Office) to Rally in Support of the EPA and the Clean Air Act. Speakers included Dennis Winters (Chair of the PA Chapter of the Sierra Club), Joe Minott (Executive Director of the Clean Air Council), Pam Johnson (member of SEIU 32BJ), Bill Walsh (District Director for Congressman Sestak) and Jason Brady (Sierra Club) who read statements from Congressman Brady and Senator Specter.

(Cross-posted at Daily Kos)

(ADDED NOTE: Philadelphia -- population more than 1.4 million -- has less of a voice in the U.S. Senate than the entire state of Wyoming, population 522,000. Fair? No. Democratic with a little "d"? No.)

OK, so we just had the electoral college vote Monday, and some may be saying, "Hey, what about that National Popular Vote idea?" The Progressive States Network, which I respect, is even going for the argument that the electoral college killed the auto bailout because Republicans thought Michigan's electoral votes are out of reach for them. I disagree.

I got an interesting email from Sheila Ballen today. She has heard about the draft-Sheila "movement" and asked if I could post this on her behalf:

Dear friends,

I recently got wind about these posts. I am humbled that there are people who want to draft me into running against Senator Fumo. It is a great responsibility to be asked and while I am flattered this is something I never really considered and the time is not right so I will not be running for the senate seat. Please allow me to thank the folks who have dedicated their time and effort in trying to draft me into running. I am incredibly gratified by your grassroots effort. I feel fortunate that right now I am able to devote my energies to ensuring that every child receives a quality education in Pennsylvania.

Thank you again,
Sheila Ballen