Pa., NY Dems Ignore Obama, Ready Senate Primary Bids

Takes steps for Reid, Specter, Gillibrand 4 months into term

(NEWSER) - He’s been in office just a few months—but President Obama’s already working to get Democrats elected in 2010, the Wall Street Journal reports. So far this month, Obama has urged a potential candidate to run in North Carolina, battled a primary threat to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, pledged support for Sen. Arlen Specter, and planned to raise funds for Sen. Harry Reid. More»

Pennsylvania, Arizona, Kentucky offer intrigue

(NEWSER) - Four states go to the polls today, and the results will have huge implications. Politico breaks down what to watch for in each race, and we, as always, provide the cliff notes:

• Pennsylvania: Arlen Specter—the longest serving senator in state history—is in real danger of losing a primary to sophomore Rep. Joe Sestak. There's also a special election for the late John Murtha's seat. His district doesn't lean far right or left, so keep an eye on it as a November barometer.

Perry and KBH face off; Tea Party mounts challenge in Fla.

(NEWSER) - The 2010 primaries will see the GOP repairing its identity and soul-searching among Democrats. The 10 most important races, according to Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post :

1. Texas governor, R: Rick Perry is running for an unprecedented third term, and voters seem to approve. But Kay Bailey Hutchison is a popular, crafty, and well-funded opponent.
2. Florida Senate, R: The looming battle between Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio is being closely watched as a bellwether of the rift between GOP moderates and the insurgent Tea Party movement.

Candidates should 'fit their states': Cornyn

(NEWSER) - As the GOP eyes 2010, it’s turning to centrist candidates to restore its health—despite a “good riddance” attitude to the departure of moderate Arlen Specter, Politico reports. “I’m absolutely committed to recruiting candidates around the country that fit their states,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee head John Cornyn. It’s “a recipe for permanent minority status and irrelevance if we don’t pay attention to the arithmetic.” More»

GOP colleagues 'stunned,' angered by senator's party switch

(NEWSER) - Newly minted Democrat Arlen Specter said he will not blindly toe the party line, Politico reports. “I will not be an automatic 60th vote,” the veteran Pennsylvania senator said, pointing out recent opposition to a unionization bill. “If the Democratic Party asks too much, I will not vote with them.” More»