The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

br> Sen. Rick Santorum continues to lag badly in both public and private polls in his re-election bid against Pennsylvania's Democratic state treasurer Bob Casey, Jr. . Some polls show Santorum as much as 30 points down. /p>

"What's really troubling is that Casey hasn't done a damn thing, and Rick is still down. It's frustrating," says a Republican fundraiser who does work in Pennsylvania.

Republican leaders in Washington are growing increasingly concerned about the race, which they -- like the Democrats -- have targeted as a critical race in the 2006 election cycle. More troubling, is Santorum's seeming lack of interest in adjusting his campaign style.

"He doesn't seem to care that he's down and not gaining ground," says a Republican National Committee staffer. "In talking to donors, fundraisers, staff, he acts like he's doing us a favor by letting us help him. He needs an attitude adjustment or he's going to find no one watching his back when this campaign really heats up."

p>And as the bad buzz continues, that is something to consider. By any standard, the Senate race is still very much in its early stages, and Santorum, according to campaign sources, has not fully energized his organization. br> /p>

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