2016 PA Senate race: on Free Trade

John Fetterman: Fight to reverse bad trade policies like NAFTA

Joe Sestak: Supports Ex-Im Bank & supports trade agreements in principle

Sestak isn't taking a position yet on a pending trade agreement that the Obama administration argues will create job opportunities by boosting exports. Some Democrats have expressed skepticism that the deal with Japan and other Pacific countries will be beneficial to Pennsylvania.

Sestak said he wants to see the United States, not China, helping set trade guidelines in those countries--a position that Toomey also has outlined. "In principle, I'd like to be for it, because I want to set the rules of the road for trade," Sestaksaid. "Trade is part of our national security."

Joe Sestak: Supports TPP in principle, but verify openly before we trust

"But don't you trust Obama?" asked one citizen. "I'm a guy that verifies before he trusts," Sestak replied.

In an interview later, Sestak said some U.S. workers have been harmed by past trade deals, particularly those without a college degree. Better job-retraining programs should be put in place to help workers who might be hurt by the ripple effects of a trade agreement, along with tough requirements on labor practices and environmental standards for countries that sign the eventual deal.

Pat Toomey: Ex-Im Bank is an egregious forms of corporate welfare

Sestak said he wants to see the United States, not China, helping set trade guidelines in those countries--a position that Toomey also has outlined. But Sestak is reserving judgment on whether the agreement will be helpful or harmful until the full details are released. "In principle, I'd like to be for it, because I want to set the rules of the road for trade," he said. "Trade is part of our national security."