The question remains: Why did Santorum support Specter?
The article is right, unfortunately--Santorum will face a tough fight from Bob Casey in his 2006 Senate race. Even the extremely moderate Specter had a relatively close Senate race in 2004, so the more conservative Santorum might be in trouble. Specter's support will definitely help, so Santorum had no choice but to stand with him when faced with a primary challenge from the more conservative Rep. Toomey.
hate to tell you but Toomey would have lost.
the idea that a few hundred thousand Kerry voters would have voted for Toomey, is unrealistic
Specter supported him.
The question doesn't remain and was never a real question to begin with. Specter supported him; he supported Specter in return. Specter is a senior U.S. Senator from his own state from his own party. Santorum holds a leadership position and Specter was the incumbent, etc.
Had Toomey pulled it out, Santorum would have supported him.