It really used to be that the conservative T had to battle PGH and PHL. Now, I think the PGH area is getting conservative enough that it's a wash. The problem is that the Philly suburbs are getting more liberal.
I agree with you, the Pittsburgh region is nowhere near the dye in the wool Democratic stronghold it was years ago. A democrat can still do well here, but it has to be a strong Dem.... Kerry though isn't strong and not exciting and doesn't connect with the voters by and large here in SWPA...
Philly is what will make or break the state.