Barbara Hafer used to be a Republican, I believe. This will be an interesting contest. No matter who wins, Casey or Hafer, Santorum is going to have his work cut out for him.
She was a Republican...but a tax-and-spend RINO Republican in the grand tradition of Ohio Gov. Taft. Do not think she would present as formidable a challenge as Casey would.
Interesting development. Makes me wonder if the medical prognosis on Snarlin' Arlen Specter is worse than we've been told, and if Hafer is expecting Eddie Rendell to name Casey as a replacement player before the election.
If either one was running uncontested, I would agree. But,
Santorum is not that weak. He has a tough race ahead, but not impossible. This primary fight between two different (pro abortion and pro life) candidates is going to weaken the eventual winner. Santorum could roll over the eventual winner by virtue of cash.
Hafer is running because Casey will be appointed to fill Specter's seat by Ed Rendell. There's no way that Casey was surprised by Hafer's announcement.
Hafer is the most unlikeable person in PA politics. Santorum would beat Hafer easily. Casey could win with an excellent organization that would keep him out of the limelight. Basically, his campaign has to be "Liked my dad? I have the same name."