Politics PA

Blunt as ever, Gov. Rendell offered what, for fellow Democrats, was a rather downbeat view of the election this fall to replace him.

Many pundits hailed this election year as the Year of Anti-Incumbency, but that phenomenon barely surfaced in Pennsylvania’s legislative races in Tuesday’s primary. All but one of the 28 contested House and Senate incumbents seeking re-election came away winners.

Arlen Specter is an institution in Pennsylvania politics who surmounted political attacks from both sides and mastered a gritty, take-no-prisoners campaign style that, in the past, guaranteed his success against even the toughest opponents.

The voting machines weren’t locked up yet from their primary duty before Pennsylvania’s race for governor took a sharply confrontational tone.

Host Mika Brzezinski quotes Governor Rendell: “We are all Democrats and we understand the importance of keeping the Democratic Senate, and we all agree with Joe on the issues. Will we do it with the same love and affection for Arlen? No.”

IF THERE were a political version of the popular game of Twister – the one that rewards the best contortionist – then Specter would be its all-time champ.

Ken Bonnell was, possibly, the walking emblem of the cranky voter of 2010: sporting a sticker for a Democratic congressional candidate and voicing his anger at his party’s signature legislative accomplishment.

Pennsylvania Democrats decide today whether to allow Arlen Specter to continue fighting for his Senate seat or to end his 30-year career in Washington.

The contest to succeed the late John P. Murtha drew nearer a close on Sunday as the Democratic nominee brought in a former president and the Republican candidate sprinted across the district knocking on doors and, when possible, his opponent.

In a primary election featuring a high-profile U.S. Senate race and a governor’s race, it’s hard for candidates running for the state House and state Senate to get attention.