Let’s Talk Politics

Today former Pennsylvania Governor and first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced his intentions to watch the Pennsylvania Senate race instead of run in it. Ridge thanked his supporters in a brief statement and promised that his commitment to public service will continue.

Although Ridge never explicitly cited his reasoning for not running, it can be inferred that he did not think he could win. Polling data reveals Ridge’s uphill battle against conservative Republican Pat Toomey in the primaries, who nearly defeated Senator Arlen Specter in 2004. Had Ridge defeated Toomey in the primaries, he would still have to defeat the five-term Senator for the seat.

Politico posted the transcript of Ridge’s statement. Click HERE to read it in its entirety