Sestak Example of Democrats Gaining the Edge

The Aug 19th Washington Post had an interesting article about how some Democrats are financially competitive against even incumbant Republicans. The Democrat they picked to highlight this trend was none other than our own Joe Sestak.
Washington Post: Gop's Financial Edge Shrinks

Twelve of the 27 Democratic challengers in Cook's most competitive House races raised more money in the latest quarter than their GOP opponents.

One of those 12 is former Vice Adm. Joe Sestak, a 31-year Navy veteran whose candidacy in Pennsylvania's 7th District in suburban Philadelphia is being driven in large measure by his opposition to the Iraq war. His opponent, 10-term Republican Rep. Curt Weldon, has never faced a competitive challenger, even though the Democratic presidential nominee won the district in the last three elections.

Fueled by financial success in the most recent quarter, Sestak has raised $1.1 million to Weldon's $1.4 million.

Sestak is getting support from traditional sources such as labor unions and newer ones such as the "Net roots" -- online activists who are channeling significant sums to antiwar Democrats. He has raised $230,000 online this cycle, including thousands through blogs.

"We really hit a vein," he said.

By contrast, Weldon's support is bleeding like an artery.

My own analysis, as this regards the 7th district, is quite simple...

• Sestak has a message that resonates with voters dissatified and disenfranchised by Bush and the Republican controlled Congress.
  
• Sestak now has enough financial resources to reach the voters in the 7th district with his message.
  
• Weldon has no message beyond "more of the same" failed policies he has supported these past 20 years.

In a fair fight, where voters get to hear from both sides, Weldon has as much edge as a butter-knife made of Silly Putty.