Washington (CNN) - Sen. Arlen Specter's party switch last year was a boon for Democrats, and maybe a survival move on his part. But with the wave of anti-incumbency sweeping the nation, his job is still in jeopardy.
Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall University's Center for Politics and Public Affairs is following the Democratic primary between Specter and suburban Philadelphia Rep. Joe Sestak.
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"This has turned into a dogfight," Madonna said, pointing to polls that indicate support for Sestak is surging in the weeks leading up to Tuesday's statewide vote, in which only Democrats can participate.
Specter's switch from Republican to Democrat, was by his own admission made in part to aid his chances for re-election, a fact Sestak has been all too happy to point out.
In an effort to keep the seat in Democratic hands, President Obama has come down squarely behind Specter, speaking out in support of the five-term veteran.
By comparison, "the voters don't consider [Sestak] to be a career politician in quite the same way," Madonna notes, since Sestak is only in his second term.
Sestak has been a "staunch supporter" of the Obama agenda, and has steered clear of criticizing the president for backing Specter.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face former three-term Republican Congressman Pat Toomey in the general election.
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Specter has to go!! Why would a Dem vote for a Republican career politician? Specter is the poster boy for what's wrong in D.C.!!!
These career politicians whose only concern is their careers, need to be voted out! Republicans and Dems alike! McCain is another good example of a politician who flops whichever way the wind happens to be blowing today! If these people do not truly have the conviction of their beliefs, they do not posess the fortitude to represent the people who elected them!
Common Sense!!!
Pack your bags Specter. You're so senile you thanked the Republican Party for endorsing your Democratic nomination.
Enjoy your retirement Arlen. You were a good servant to Shrub.
Welcome, Joe. Now do something for the PEOPLE of the US - not corporations.
Thank You
Any chance the LSM will bring up Sestak being offered a job to GET OUT OF THE RACE by the Oweblama administration?
Nah, that would mean they would have to do their jobs and Oweblama can't have them do that.
Quid pro quo, or better known as the Chi-town way.
For you Oweblama voters and sheep, that is AGAINST THE LAW....
Can't teach an old dog new tricks - so long Arlen!
PA is going to choose Sestak in the primary. Better back up your bone and go home. And then we're electing Toomey in the general election to help put a stop to Obama's socialist agenda.
Specter, will lose ,sestak is younger blood.and his message comes across pretty clear. rep specter served PA well in his years. i hope if he loses hes supports sestak . because toomey would be in big trouble, then he would have too swift boat then. and that is what the gop is all about.
Bye bye Arlen, you are a little weasel and all of us know it. happy retirement
Specter reaks of it