Unfortunately, part of the "'Burgh thing", when combined with the Philly thing, amounts to turning an otherwise sensible, conservative state into a Democratic stronghold. And with a longtime party insider and true smiling sleazebag in Democratic tradition Fast Eddie Rendell at the governor's helm, there are even greater obstacles for a Republican than simply winning a fairly contested election.
I have no doubt that Rendell has already guaranteed Casey's victory to Howlin' Howie Dean, and will go to any measure necessary to deliver--as only a crooked Democrat knows how to do and is brazen enough to pull off because he knows the press will cover for him.
It's an all too common mistake these days, but Pennsylvania is a commonwealth, not a state. It seems to be forgotten, sadly.
Allegheney County has tended to nueter the crazed Pittsburgh crowd in most elections, although I agree with you about Philly. There lies the real problem.
If only we could give Philly to New Jersey!
Cheers! :-)