In 2006, Rick
Santorum will be up for re-election. There is much buzz about who his challenger will be, the two most prominent names going around being State Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. (son of the Real Bob Casey) and Former Republican State Treasurer Barbara Hafer.
The surprising news on Casey sounds like he may actually be giving the Senate race real thought. Its surprising because Casey has had his heart set on the Governorhship for years.
Here's the relevant clip from Casey's hometown paper, the Scranton Times .
A spokeswoman for Mr. Casey insists he's focused on taking the oath as treasurer Jan. 18 and doing the job. Mr. Casey has repeatedly said that himself.
But a source close to Mr. Casey confirmed he might be interested in a Senate run if the DSCC makes sure he's unchallenged in the Democratic primary and kicks in millions of dollars in support.
That actually sounds like a fair deal. Casey's name alone buys around 45 percent of the vote, so he lowers your advertising costs right out of the box.
The
Philadelphia Inquirer had a nice overview of the 2006 rcaes, including some nice tidbits about the Governor's Race, which would involve a Republican challenge to Democrat Ed Rendell.
Republicans eying possible campaigns against Rendell include Jeffrey Piccola, a Harrisburg lawyer who is the majority whip in the state Senate, and William Scranton III, who served as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Dick Thornburgh and works as a businessman.
But the most talked-about GOP prospect these days is a political newcomer - Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and pro football Hall of Famer whose statewide name recognition and popularity could give him a leg up in challenging the governor's bid for a second term.
All in all, sounds like second tier opposition to Rendell, who should once again easily, given his immense political skills (this guy can give the Big Dog a run for his money).