In our Friday interview, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) called into question the idea that Pennsylvania Democrats will be automatically loyal to Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) just because he’s the de facto incumbent. “Does that automatically buy loyalty–because you changed an R to a D–from those within the party?” Sestak asked, rhetorically.
“Well actually it appeared to do so within the wash political establishment, which was quite disturbing, but I think that’s a long haul from where Pennsylvanians will be.”
And, as it turns out, a new poll (PDF) suggests there’s some evidence for this claim.
As you may know, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter recently switched from Republican to Democrat. Should Arlen Specter be the Democratic nominee for the 2010 election for US Senate or should he face a challenge from one or more other Democrats in the primary?
- Specter should be nominee 28%
- Specter should face challenge 63%
- Undecided 32 09%
This comes via Greg Sargent–and, presumably, as good news for the nascent Sestak campaign. Other recent polls show Specter with a sizable lead over the relatively unknown Sestak, but this new poll shows a hunger for a primary challenge on general principle.
