The American Spectator

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Washington Prowler

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"The only way Toomey has a serious shot is if the national party lets it play out," says a Republican political consultant not involved in the Pennsylvania race. "Toomey has a very good shot of winning that seat if he wins that primary. He can do it. But the state party people, the local people, need to know they won't suffer adversely if they help Toomey financially or materially down the road."

Toomey, who is being backed by the Club for Growth and a number of other conservative groups, is fighting a slightly uphill battle against Specter. And while the White House has quietly made it known that it is not troubled by a challenge to a sitting Republican senator, it has tried to distance itself from this particular race.

The thinking with Toomey is that he will run well in pro-gun, pro-life and rural segments of the state, similar to Sen. Rick Santorum, who is also quietly advising Toomey.

Specter is raising money and expects to receive some White House support, though not close to what other candidates are receiving from this White House.

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