EXTREMISM WATCH: SESTAK SUPPORTS TRIAL OF KSM IN PA
Allentown, PA – How extreme is Joe Sestak?
The answer is, very extreme. Joe Sestak supports trying 9/11-mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in Western Pennsylvania even as many local Pennsylvania Democrats are opposing the idea and many national Democrats are urging President Obama to try Mohammed in a military tribunal.
On Sunday, Joe Sestak told WPVI ABC News he is “open to the possibility” and he will “accept it” if the trial is moved from New York City to Pennsylvania. He is also adamantly in favor of holding Mohammed’s trial in a civilian court, where we will be forced to grant the terrorist generous rights that may compromise our national security interests.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s own Democrats oppose the idea:
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato: “As Pennsylvania directly experienced part of the attack on Sept. 11, we are acutely interested in seeing the perpetrators brought to justice. However, the last thing Pennsylvania needs is a terrorist trial that raises security concerns and places even more of a burden on our taxpayers.” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , 01/30/10)
Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) opposes the move. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , 01/30/10)
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl: “The same ones outlined by Mayor Mike Bloomberg – that the trial could put our citizens in danger, as well as the exorbitant costs associated with the trial, something that we could not withstand. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , 01/30/10)
Jason Altmire (D-PA-04): “It’s going to be a circus atmosphere. It’s going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and it’s going to increase the security risk exponentially. I just don't think to read them their Miranda rights and have a civilian trial - that's not what we should be doing in this case and certainly shouldn't be doing it in western Pennsylvania.” (KDKA , 01/31/10)
At the same time, a bipartisan groups of Senators including Democratic Sens. Joe Lieberman (D/I-CT), Blanche Lincoln (D-AK), and Jim Webb (D-VA), signed a letter last week, urging President Obama to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other conspirators in the 9/11 attacks in a military tribunal instead of a civilian court.
“I join leading Pennsylvania Republicans and Democrats alike in opposing trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a civilian court in Pennsylvania,” U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey said. “Moving the trial to Pennsylvania will impose huge security risks and costs on our state, in addition to the national security risks posed by trying an enemy combatant in a civilian court where we may be forced to disclose important intelligence information.”
Toomey Communications Director Nachama Soloveichik added, “Joe Sestak’s extreme liberal position on trying a terrorist mastermind in Pennsylvania is at once shocking and unsurprising. It’s shocking because of Cong. Sestak’s willingness to expose Pennsylvanians to the risks and costs of such a trial, when a military tribunal would avoid both. But it’s not surprising when you consider that on issue after issue, Joe Sestak comes out far to the left of even most Pennsylvania Democrats.”
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