After months of speculation, Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) announced today that he is challenging Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Democrat Senator Arlen Specter in the state's Democratic primary. The seat is up in 2010. As we've mentioned before, Sestak is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and has strong ties to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Most recently, he joined us on our nationwide townhall in May where he talked about his support of our efforts.

Here's the text of a blogpost that Congressman Sestak posted at dailykos:

Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate. Join me at JoeSestak.com, where we'll begin streaming live from VFW Post 928 in Folsom, Pennsylvania, at 8:30 am.

Today is the day we stand up for Democratic values, for the right of the people of Pennsylvania to have their say, and for hard-working families all across the Commonwealth.

Today, I will be announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate. Join me at JoeSestak.com, where we'll begin streaming live from VFW Post 928 in Folsom, Pennsylvania, at 8:30 am.

There are some who say it's impossible to win without the backing of the establishment, who say we'd be better off cutting deals and bargaining on our principles. But that kind of political calculation isn't what put the Democrats in power, and it isn't going to keep us there.

I say -- and I've heard people all across the state say -- that we need to stand up for our beliefs, that we need leaders of genuine conviction, not political convenience.  I say the people demand and deserve some accountability for what has happened to our Commonwealth and our Country.

We know it's not going to be easy. We know it's worthwhile because it's not going to be easy.

But to succeed, I need everyone who believes in accountable leadership and the right of the people to have their say to join me -- and I ask you to start now by joining me at JoeSestak.com.

We'll be arranging an interview with the Congressman as soon as we can.  Until then, go to his website and learn more about him!