It's official. After months of speculation among many inside and more importantly outside of the political community Charlie Crystle announced his candidacy for United States Senate:

Charlie Crystle, a 36-year-old software developer from Lancaster, will face Rep. Joseph Hoeffel in a Democratic primary for the seat now held by Republican Sen. Arlen Specter. Specter will face an April 27 primary of his own, against Rep. Pat Toomey.

Crystle said about the race:

"People are hurting, and I know I can do something about it," Crystle said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "We need to have a transformational election, where we elect people who are going to lead with practical solutions for everybody - not just the rich."

Crystle said his campaign platform will focus on Republican policies of the Bush administration, which he blamed for damaging the national economy, and ultimately, the middle class.

Some of those in the political community weren't as excited we are here in Lancaster; Crystle's "entry into the race certainly doesn't help the Democrats' ability to prevail in the fall," said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney.

Charlie believes that it is vital for political parties to be accountable to the rank and file members from time to time through primary elections, and believes that said his candidacy would "strengthen the Democratic Party" by offering voters a choice.

Here at campaign central in Lancaster, we came up with the "Top 10 Reasons a Democratic Primary is a Good Thing."

10. Voters get to have a choice between differing views, styles, solutions, and leadership qualities.

9. More people get engaged in elections with interesting primaries--that's good for democracy!

8. Rendell v. Casey = victory for Rendell--a great primary battle that helped promote Rendell across the state.

7. Primaries expand the range of ideas, solutions, and principles for the party

6. Charlie Crystle plays a mean guitar and will challenge the other guy to a talent contest. It's going to be a fun campaign!

5. Both candidates need something more than Wheaties to bring the best out in each of them.

4. The Party will get organized and active 5 months before the General Election
Voters wouldn't watch the other guy debate himself. Though that might be interesting depending on the subject...

3. A great Primary will attract plenty of money for the General Election.

2. A boring Primary will put people to sleep.

1. We'll show the Republicans that positive campaigns are infinitely more fun than nasty negative ones!