Welcome To Demslyvania

GOPers have been busy touting challengers out West and in unfriendly territory in the Northeast. But don't go looking for any in PA, at least not yet.

-- Despite the fact that five Dems sit in CDs that have an "R+" Cook PVI score, none are in any immediate danger. The bright spot in this group for GOPers may be in PA-04, where they may be on the verge of signing up state Rep. Mike Turzai (R) to run against Jason Altmire (D). John Murtha (D-12) may face some trouble, but even with his PMA problems, the way he easily dispatched a tough '08 challenger makes us skeptical he'll face difficulty in '10. Meanwhile, Kathy Dahlkemper's (D-03) lone challenger, a teacher, has dropped out, and GOPers haven't got anybody of note to run against Chris Carney (D-10). The party seems to have written off its chances against Tim Holden (D-17).

-- In fact, Dems may even get to build on their 12-7 lead. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan (D) is seriously re-thinking a bid against Charlie Dent (R-15), and would represent a huge improvement over their '08 challenger, whom Dent dispatched rather easily. And if Jim Gerlach (R-06) does run for GOV, ex-editorial writer Doug Pike (D) appears to be building the strong campaign he'll need in order to pick up the Dem-leaning seat.

-- It's difficult to believe, but GOPers were the ones that owned a 12-7 lead just four years ago. It may be awhile until they get that back.