I don't know enough about PA politics to judge the impact of these local issues,but the mere fact that "Fast Eddie" won't have a walkover, and that many in the state actively dislike him, can only rebound to Santorum's advantage..
Agreed, its an off year election, and Eddie and lots of incumbents at the state level are vehemently hated....
This could work both ways, with more republicans/conservatives showing up than dems... but anti-incumbent movement could also hurt Santorum on election day, even though he isn't a state legislature.
Stated voted against reauthorizing a supreme court judge this last election, the first time in nearly 200 years.. and nearly ousted another over the pay raise issue.