Sestak Considers Opposing Specter

WASHINGTON - Rep. Joe Sestak, a former Navy vice admiral, sayid he's seriously considering challenging newest Democrat Arlen Specter in next year's Pennsylvania Senate primary.

Sestak told The Associated Press Thursday he's concerned that Washington's Democratic establishment has picked a candidate who may not be the best for the party's voters in Pennsylvania. The suburban Philadelphia congressman said he has concerns about Specter's voting record -- particularly his recent vote against the Democratic-backed budget.

He said Specter's decision to break with the Republican Party and become a Democrat moved him closer to running. He anticipates a decision in the coming weeks.

Sestak was elected in 2006. Earlier, he commanded an aircraft carrier battlegroup in Afghanistan.

In other news, Senate Democrats are giving Specter a plum subcommittee chairmanship on the Judiciary Committee.

A congressional official told The Associated Press on Thursday that Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois has volunteered to give up his chairmanship of the crime subcommittee. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The panel is the Judiciary Committee's busiest subcommittee, responsible for legislation on drug sentencing.

The move is designed to placate Republican-turned-Democrat Specter after Democrats failed to honor his 28 years of seniority on committees. Democrats hope to keep Specter's Pennsylvania Senate seat in next year's elections.