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Host of MSNBC’s Hardball has apparently met with Pennsylania Democractic party leaders to discuss his potential bid to unseat Arlen Specter in 2010:
MSNBC pundit Chris Matthews may be considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2010, a Pennsylvania Democratic party leader says.
The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reported that Matthews met with state party leaders this past week in Washington to discuss a possible bid to unseat Republican Sen. Arlen Specter.
Party official Mary Isenhour said she left the meeting feeling that Matthews still hadn’t made up his mind.
The 62-year-old Matthews hosts MSNBC’s “Hardball” and provides political commentary on NBC’s “Today.” His contract with MSNBC expires in June.
Matthews, a Philadelphia native, ran unsuccessfully for a Pennsylvania congressional seat in 1974.
For his part, Sen. Specter says he will be ready for any challenger:
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., says he’s ready for a tough re-election race in 2010, whether it’s against MSNBC pundit Chris Matthews or someone else.
Specter, 78, declined to speculate on whether he would face Matthews, who reportedly met with Pennsylvania Democratic Party leaders last week about a run. But the GOP moderate said he expected challenges from the left and right as he seeks a sixth term.
“I never look over my shoulder, never look behind. Somebody may be gaining on me. I run with blinders. I’ll be prepared, whoever my opponents are,” Specter said on CNN’s “Late Edition.”
Specter made it clear that he would vigorously defend his seat.
“Feeling good,” quipped the Republican, who has survived bouts with a brain tumor and cancer while serving in the Senate. “Top of my game.”
I would welcome comments from our Pennsylvania readers regarding this potential match-up.
December 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
At least if he quits his job at NBC he’ll be able to responsibly do everything he can to make Obama’s presidency a success.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:01 am
I just don’t see Matthews offing Specter. Specter survived 1992 when Clinton carried the state overwhelmingly. He survived a challenge from Pat Toomey in 2004 and came back for a solid win in the general election.
The only thing that could screw this up is if Toomey starts his shit again and tries to primary Specter. Club for Growth should just keep their traps shut – because a down the line conservative isn’t going to win in Pennsylvania.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:02 am
Live rally in Georgia for Chambliss. Sarah Palin to speak.
http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream4
December 1st, 2008 at 11:30 am
#2, I would hope that Toomey could beat Specter.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:42 am
I would have hoped that too, if Obama didn’t just win the state by ten points. I’d rather take half a loaf with Specter.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:54 am
I believe Specter cannot win.
I am also concerned with his health.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Chills up my leg…
December 1st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I love that you guys hate every moderate Republican officeholder in the country.
December 1st, 2008 at 1:06 pm
To his credit, Specter has appeared to have some sort of consistency to his philosophy over the years (compared to, say, almost any “Mainstreet Partnership” or “moderate” or whatever Republican like Lincoln Chafee or Wayne Gilchrest).
To my knowledge, Specter has been excellent on judges, for example.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Liberals want to get their hands on the whip. Up til now, Matthews could only do this vicariously, but hey!, if a class clown can almost (let’s hope) get elected to the Senate in Minnesota, he probably likes his chances in Pennsylvania.