The American Spectator

Stephen Moore and his Club for Growth have recruited Rep. Pat Toomey to run against him in 2004. Toomey is one of the most strident fiscal conservatives in the House, constantly pushing for offsetting budget cuts in appropriations legislation, and calling for smaller government. /p>

“He’s the antithesis of Specter in so many ways,” says a Republican House member. “Once people in Pennsylvania get to know him, they are going to like him.”

As the Prowler reported last December 18 (“Stuck With Specter”) conservatives in the state party were looking for someone to step up and challenge Specter in 2004, despite the White House’s ongoing support of Specter. Now Moore’s Club for Growth has come through for them. Toomey, whose district includes parts of Allentown and Bethlehem, will have to traverse the state to build up name recognition. But his small government, Reaganesque politics should hit a chord with blue-collar Catholics who were attracted to the Gipper way back when.

The White House is in a bind. While some inside would prefer a more reliable conservative in the seat, similar to Pennsylvania’s junior Sen. Rick Santorum, it can’t afford to anger Specter. “We need his votes and his support,” says a White House staffer. But should Toomey defeat Specter in the Republican primary, look for full White House support for the victor.