News/Campaigns

Casey declines to endorse Specter

Sen. Bob Casey, now Pennsylvania’s other Democratic senator, sidestepped a question about whether he would endorse Sen. Arlen Specter in the 2010 Pennsylvania Democratic primary now that Specter has switched parties.

Appearing on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Casey was asked whether he was backing Specter even if he is challenged in the primary by Reps. Patrick Murphy and Joe Sestak (who are considering runs) or Joe Torsella (who is in the race).

“I think it’s a little premature,” Casey answered. “I hope we can come to a consensus — even Democrats can do that once in a while, even Pennsylvania Democrats.”

“The goal here is, in January 2011, to have two Democratic senators from Pennsylvania,” Casey added. “I think we can achieve that.”

Torsella has indicated he will stay in the race and Sestak refused to close the door on running Tuesday.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com