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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Specter Enjoys 20-Point Lead Over Toomey

But Tom Ridge would be a stiffer challenge if he nabbed GOP nom

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(Newser) – Arlen Specter beat Pat Toomey 53% to 33% in a Quinnipiac poll of Pennsylvanians’ preferred candidate for US senator. But against Tom Ridge, who may become the Republican candidate, Specter's lead grows more precarious—voters prefer Specter to Ridge by a margin of 46% to 43%, the Quinnipiac poll showed.

Democrats welcomed Specter’s recent conversion to the blue side—he trounced Toomey 85% to 4% in that group. Independents may be more apprehensive about Specter 2.0: while they back him over Toomey by a healthy 9 percentage points, independents would break 47% to 37% for Ridge if he runs.

Sen. Arlen Specter discusses his switch to the Democratic Party at the White House with President Barack Obama, left, in Washington, Wednesday, April 29, 2009.
Sen. Arlen Specter discusses his switch to the Democratic Party at the White House with President Barack Obama, left, in Washington, Wednesday, April 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Senator Arlen Specter enters the Diplomatic Room at the White House to make a statement with President Barack Obama about his surprise switch to the Democratic Party in Washington, April 29, 2009.
Senator Arlen Specter enters the Diplomatic Room at the White House to make a statement with President Barack Obama about his surprise switch to the Democratic Party in Washington, April 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Pat Toomey is interviewed at the WFMZ TV studio in Allentown, Pa. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
Pat Toomey is interviewed at the WFMZ TV studio in Allentown, Pa. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
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Tom Ridge is probably the only political figure in Pennsylvania who could give Arlen Specter a run for his money.
- Clay F. Richards, assistant director, Quinnipiac University Polling Institute

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2 comments
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Fondue
May 4, 09 5:44 PM CDT
Remember, Spector was a Democrat for only 6 years - back in the 60's. He's been a Republican for 43 - moderate or not. Forty three years of Republican ideology is ingrained in this man. Reply
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SPH
May 5, 09 2:17 PM CDT
I don't trust him....... Reply
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