I'm with this anonymous source in Chris Cilizza's Morning Fix post today. The Specter townhall debate that's been floating along the airwaves is great news for Specter. By taking heat from the protesters Specter looks like a Democrat (which is really important for his reelection campaign). It's not something Joe Sestak wants but instead of going critical Sestak could go positive and spin it in his favor. According to the source:

One Democratic consultant not affiliated with either candidate said that Sestak's silence regarding Specter's raucous town hall could undermine that argument, however.

"I think Sestak could've shown he is putting party ahead of politics by somehow coming to Specter's defense," said the source who has worked extensively in the state. "It seemed like a good opportunity to reinforce the Sestak message that he's for party and principle ahead of personal gain."

But Sestak didn't do that. Instead he responded in a watereddown email:

Dear Ds4,

I am a public servant. I work for the people of my District, and after next year's election look forward to working for the people of Pennsylvania.

I cherish Town Halls, I really do -- it's the fullest expression of our democracy at work. I hosted a Town Hall on health care reform in my District the day after the Congressional recess began, and another last night in Philadelphia.

This upcoming election really is about change ... about putting principle over politics and a reminder that public service is a noble cause ... in the service of others.

I disagree with Arlen Specter's statement at his Lebanon, PA Town Hall on health care reform, when he said "I could be somewhere else. I don't get any extra pay. I don't have any requirement to be here".

We do have a responsibility "to be here" ... for others, not ourselves, which is why Pennsylvania needs a change. Please support that change.

Please contribute now: Contribute

Warmly,

Joe Sestak

P.S. Please continue to spread the word about our growing campaign by forwarding this e-mail onto your family and friends asking them to get involved by making a contribution to bring needed change to Pennsylvania.

Weak sauce.