PA-Sen: The Chris Matthews boomlet

Rasmussen. 12/2. Likely voters. MoE 4.5% (No trend lines)

Specter (R) 46
Matthews (D) 43

Quinnipiac. 11/19-24. Likely voters. MoE 2.5% (8/5 results)

Specter (R) 45 (41)
Matthews (D) 33 (36)

PPP (PDF). 10/31-11/2. Likely voters. MoE 2.5% (No trend lines)

Specter (R) 46
Matthews (D) 33

The big news here is that Specter clocks in the mid-40s, and facing a possible primary rematch with Club for Growth chief Pat Toomey, will have two tough contests ahead. Given his ill health, I give better than even odds that Specter decides to retire instead.

As for Matthews, all indications are that despite his serious man crushes on George W. Bush (and his codpiece), he's serious -- even if some think it's all one big contract negotiating ploy with MSNBC.

As for more serious potential candidates, Rep. Joe Sestak's office issued a statement saying that he wouldn't run for the seat. Reps. Allyson Schwartz and Patrick Murphy are likely considering runs. Murphy, while originally supported by this site in the 2006 Netroots Candidates ActBlue fundraising list, headed over to the dark side by joining the Blue Dogs. Bad move. Schwartz, on the other hand, would be awesome.

I'm looking at polling this race next week.