Chuck Pennacchio

Dr. Charles "Chuck" Pennacchio is a professor of history and a Democratic candidate for the 2006 U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania. Dr. Pennacchio is currently History Program Director at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He has a wife, Nancy, a son, Ben, and daughter Sophia.

Related Topics:
2006 U.S. Senate race - Pennsylvania - University of the Arts - Philadelphia

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Dr. Pennacchio earned his Ph.D. at University of Colorado in Boulder in diplomatic history.

Related Topics:
University of Colorado - Boulder

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Democratic State Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. and pension lawyer Alan Sandals have also announced their candidacies for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Casey has gained the early support of many Pennsylvania Democratic party insiders, such as Governor Ed Rendell, and was asked to run by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and others within the national Democratic Party leadership. This means that Dr. Pennacchio is running an "outsider" campaign that must appeal more to grassroots activists.

Related Topics:
Bob Casey Jr. - Alan Sandals - Ed Rendell - Chuck Schumer - Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee - Harry Reid - Grassroots

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The winner of the Democratic nomination will face the Republican nominee and any candidates from other parties in the general election. Incumbent Senator Rick Santorum is being challenged by Philadelphia real estate broker John Featherman in the Republican primary.

Related Topics:
Rick Santorum - John Featherman

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Dr. Pennacchio describes himself as a progressive Democrat, comparable to the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). He uses this to contrast his views with the more conservative social views held by Bob Casey. He hopes this will allow him to garner broad support in what he sees as the party's authentic base and win the Democratic primary.

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A notable example of this strategy can be seen with the abortion issue. Bob Casey is pro-life while Dr. Pennacchio holds pro-choice views that are more in step with the feelings associated with most Democratic activists and politicians. As such, Pennacchio is attempting to tap into dissatisfaction with Casey that is felt by many in the pro-choice community.

Related Topics:
Pro-life - Pro-choice

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