From the House Race Hotline for Thursday, June 25, 2009

Welcome To Demslyvania

Thursday, June 25, 2009


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.

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