Support for Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) among Pennsylvania Democrats continues to be soft, according to a recent poll.
The Susquehanna Polling and Research survey found that more than six in 10 Pennsylvania Democrats think Specter should face a challenger in the Democratic primary next year. Less than three in 10 think he should get the Democratic nomination without a Democratic primary challenge.
It looks like that the majority will get their wish, as Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) appears to be going forward with a Senate bid.
As the polling firm notes: “This suggests most Democrats want Specter to earn his rightful place as the Democratic nominee despite comments by Democratic Party officials and leaders that Specter should be given a free ride in the primary.”
If Specter gets past the primary, he is in good shape to take on former Rep. Pat Toomey (R) in the general election. Specter led Toomey by a 46 percent to 37 percent margin in the poll.
The survey had a plus or minus 4 percent margin of error.