I don't know. From what I've been hearing, I think Scranton could do the most damage in Southeastern PA. Usually, the Heinz-Specter wing of the Republican party is usually unstoppable in PA politics. Swann will be called out fast. He is a nothing candidate with a star name. People are sick of Schwarzenegger and Swann very much fits that mold.
How are they unstoppable? Did you see the Senate primary in '04? Do you really think moderate to liberal Republicans dominate? The state committee stage will be tough. Swann can win the primary.
I'm talking about in the general election. Heinz-Ridge-Specter Republicans scare me the most electorally in general elections, not necessarily on policy. Pat Toomey would have gone down in flames had hem made the general election. Specter got a lot of votes that would have easily went to Hoeffel had Toomey been the nominee.
How can you say that? The Lehigh Valley would go for Toomey (went for Rendell in '02) and the west accepted him last year. He was a force out there and that doesn't mean that just Republicans saw it. Just because SEPA doesn't welcome someone with open arms doesn't mean that candidate would lose.
Also, a good amount of Specter votes would have went for Hoeffel had Toomey been the nominee but Toomey would also pick up Clymer votes.
You know, for all your claiming that the Lehigh Valley is "trending Republican" there sure was quite a few Democratic victories in the past election.
