Sestak Running Against Specter, With One Caveat

Sometimes an imagined candidacy is more potent than the real thing. One awkward example came last night when long-rumored Arlen Specter foe, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA), confirmed to CNN's Wolf Blitzer that he has personally decided to run for Senate in the Democratic primary against Sen. Specter, with one caveat.

"I haven't sat down and had the time to sit down with my wife and eight year-old daughter to make sure that we are ready to get in," Sestak explained. "When I got into this after being in the military for 31 years, in the first race two years ago, my daughter had had a brain tumor. And we needed to make sure we were getting in to pay back for this great health care we had been given, together as a unit. And that's where the decision will be made- with us as a nuclear family."

Sestak's semi-announcement came hours after TalkingPointsMemo posted a hand-written letter from Sestak to a donor. In the note, Sestak says, "I write you as especially dear supporters to let you know I intend to run for the U.S. Senate." The note, dated May 23, continues, "But my candidacy and my credibility will have much to do with my fundraising success by the June 30the FEC filing deadline..."

The Congressman's record as a Navy Admiral and visible presence on Capitol Hill make him a bona fide contender in any race, but this was certainly not the moment a budding campaign envisions for its only chance to make a first impression.

Sestak's office says that a formal announcement will be forthcoming in the next several weeks. Meanwhile, the Congressman's informal announcement is below: