Specter Braces for Democratic Challengers in Pennsylvania Primary

FNC reports: Sen. Arlen Specter said he anticipates facing Democratic challengers in the Pennsylvania Senate primary, disputing the notion that party leaders would clear the field for him following his defection from the GOP.

Specter told NBC'S "Meet the Press" Sunday that he was offered no incentives from Democrats to switch parties. And he said despite public support voiced for his decision by President Obama, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, those leaders have not seen to it that he'll have a clear path to the 2010 nomination.

"I didn't ask them to clear the field. The reality is you can't tell other people what to do," Specter said. "I'm prepared to run in a contested primary."

Louisiana Voters Lukewarm on Vitter

TG's PolititcalWire reports: A new Southern Media & Opinion Research survey found that Louisiana voters are "markedly ambivalent" about Sen. David Vitter (R-LA).Though 58% of likely voters say he's doing at least a good job, only 30% said they would definitely vote to reelect him while 28% percent said they would vote for someone else, and 35% said they would consider an alternative.The bottom line: If Vitter gets a credible opponent next year, voters seem quite willing to think about a change.

Kasich running for Ohio governorship

Former Ohio GOP congressman and O’Reilly Factor guest host John Kasich will be running against Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio).

Columbus Dispatch reports: Republican John Kasich is expected to file papers today so that he can begin raising money for the 2010 race for governor.Sources told The Dispatch that the former congressman from Westerville will file papers this afternoon with the Ohio secretary of state designating a treasurer for his gubernatorial campaign. The move will permit Kasich to raise cash and hire staff for his anticipated campaign against Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

"We're off and running," said a source who has been helping Kasich prepare for a gubernatorial bid.Kasich, a former 18-year congressman and a Fox News on-air personality, is expected to formally declare his candidacy by early June.

Talent Out

AP reports former Republican US Sen. Jim Talent said Tuesday he won't bid for a political comeback by running in Missouri's open Senate race in 2010.

OH What a Race

Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher (D) has made public his desire to run for U.S. Senate. Fisher filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee for the race to replace retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R). Fisher's demonstrated interest will likely clear the Democratic field of primary challengers given virtually assured support from Gov. Ted Strickland. Barring scandals before the primaries, the Senate race is now set between Fisher and ex-Rep. Rob Portman (R).

Maybe Shuler Wants to Stay in the House

In the Charlotte News & Observer today, Rep. Heath Shuler, D-NC, is quoted saying that while President Obama has "reached out to listen to his concerns," Democratic leaders on the Hill haven't.

"I truly feel that's where maybe House leadership and Senate leadership have really failed," Shuler said.

This prompted a withering response from Jim Manley, the spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Let me get this straight - this is coming from a guy who threw more than twice as many interceptions than touchdowns?"