Confirming the changing trends in Pennsylvania, state treasurer Barbara Hafer confirms she will
leave the Republican Party for the Democrats.
Apparently confirming one of the worst-kept secrets in Pennsylvania politics, state Treasurer Barbara Hafer said Friday that it's ''inevitable'' that she'll jump to the Democratic Party.
At a fund-raiser at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the two-term Republican treasurer said the switch could happen by year's end, but added that much had to be settled -- including the unfinished state budget -- before she made any announcement.
Gov. Rendell is pushing Hafer as a potential challenger against Sen. Santorum in 2006.
Too bad she won't be available for 2004. The Toomey vs. Specter battle promises to be bloody, and given the radicalization of the PA Republican Party, there's a better than even chance that the wingnut Toomey will take out the relatively moderate Specter. While Specter currently maintains a comfortable lead (52-25), it's still early in the race. And Specter will need as large a lead as possible, given that Toomey's supporters will be far more likely to turn out and vote.
And if Toomey wins, the PA Senate seat becomes a prime pickup opportunity.
However, the Dems have put up Rep. Hoeffel, who is, at best, uninspiring. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party is experiencing a sort of resurgence, spurred in most part by Rendell's 2002 victory. The bench is getting deeper for future elections (2006 and beyond). But it's too bad we don't have anyone better to try and steal this one in 2004.