WICU12

Former Congressman Phil English was back in Erie today, talking to political science students at Gannon University. English spent about two hours in the class taught by Dr. David Kozak. English said he does not think the Senate will go along with the House version of health care reform. But he hopes a compromise can be reached. He also thinks the president must be decisive about the war in Afghanistan. English says he has no interest in running again, but he expects the Republican Party to wage a tough campaign against Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper next year. English said, "I do think there are going to be a variety of candidates on the Republican side and a good debate will yield a very competitive race in the fall. I have avoided criticizing my successor. I do believe that she will have an obligation to come back and defend." English also predicts a tough campaign next year for Senator Arlen Specter. English now does strategic planning for a Washington, DC law firm.