Toomey looking at a primary challenge?

Pat Toomey may be looking at a serious primary challenge.

PoliticsPA reports that state Sen. Jane Orie (R) met with NRSC Chairman John Cornyn in DC recently to discuss a primary bid against Toomey, who some Republicans fear is too conservative to win a statewide race.

After Arlen Specter switched parties, some Republicans hoped former Gov. Tom Ridge (R) would jump in the race. But Ridge opted out, forcing the GOP to either rally behind Toomey or find a suitable challenger.

More from Alex Roarty:

If Orie runs, it would reset the state’s political landscape. The western Pennsylvania lawmaker would be the only viable GOP challenger to Pat Toomey, who appeared to have a clear path to the party’s nomination after Arlen Specter switched parties earlier this year. Republicans had publicly begun to coalesce around the former Lehigh Valley congressman in recent months, with notable party figures like U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent and Allegheny County Chairman Jim Roddey lending their endorsement.

But many Republican leaders have continued to worry privately about Toomey’s electability statewide, fearing he is too conservative for a state that gave Barack Obama a 10-point victory over John McCain last year.

A spokesman for the NRSC confirmed the meeting, but insisted it wasn’t indicative of any doubts about Toomey.

“The NRSC meets with anyone who is credible and asks to meet with us but it would be inaccurate to read anything more into it than that,” said NRSC spokesman Brian Walsh. “Clearly, the dynamics in the PA Senate race have been fluid, but the prospects for the Republican nominee remain very strong. The Specter-Sestak primary, Congressman Toomey’s exceptional fundraising success, and the eagerness of PA voters to get our economy back on track leave us confident that this will be a top-tier race next fall.”