My search just now did not reveal anything here on this story in the Harrisburg Patriot-News today:
Will state GOP get Ridge to run
Thursday, April 30, 2009
BY LAURA VECSEY
http://www.pennlive.com/...
"Have the dynamics changed? Big time," said Mike Barley, Pennsylvania Republican Party spokesman. "Things are so fluid right now, I don't even think we understand the scope of what's happening yet."
The defection of Arlen Specter really has thrown these guys for a loop. See their new plan over the speed-bump....
My spin on this has been that they were hoping for big-time publicity from a highly-contested primary that was winnable for them. That plan seems to have been shot down.
Never fear, though. They do have a new plan to get some free publicity:
After hearing that Specter had switched parties, Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Robert Gleason said his first call was going to be to Tom Ridge. As of Wednesday night, state GOP leaders had not heard from the former governor.
Where does that leave Toomey?
Toomey's decision to challenge Specter in a Republican primary was the reason Specter bolted to the Democratic Party on Tuesday. But the political bombshell has realigned the U.S. Senate race for Democrats and Republicans, and now Toomey does not look to be the GOP's favorite son in the 2010 race.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, for one, said Toomey's candidacy is toast.
"I don't think there is anybody in the world who believes he can get elected senator there," said Hatch, the vice chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, according to Politico.com.
As a PA resident, I am stocking up on the popcorn.