NRSC backs Toomey

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) endorsed Pennsylvania GOP challenger Pat Toomey on Tuesday, a day after he announced a hefty fundraising haul for the second quarter.

The endorsement comes after months of speculation that Republicans were looking for a more moderate candidate to run against Sen. Arlen Specter (D).

In a statement, NRSC Chairman John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Toomey, a former congressman, is “uniquely qualified” to run for the Senate and touted his crossover appeal.

“Through hard work and self-reliance, Pat Toomey has successfully represented a Democrat-leaning district and accomplished much in his private sector endeavors,” Cornyn said. “Congressman Toomey is a vigorous and determined advocate for the people of Pennsylvania.”

Critics have said that Toomey, who came close to knocking off Specter in the 2004 GOP primary, may be too conservative to win statewide in Pennsylvania. That led to speculation that former Gov. Tom Ridge (R) might seek the seat, though Ridge quickly said he won’t run.

And just last week it was reported that the NRSC met with state Sen. Jane Orie (R) about running. Orie, however, quickly said she wouldn’t run.

The endorsement comes after Toomey announced he raised a significant $1.6 million in the second quarter, slightly less than Specter’s $1.73 million.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com