Toomey’s Senate bid would be a rerun of his 2004 Republican primary challenge to incumbent Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, to whom he lost narrowly, 50.8 percent to 49.2 percent. In that campaign, Toomey characterized Specter as a free spender but came up short as the incumbent received endorsements from President Bush, then near the height of his popularity, and then-Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), a beloved figure among social conservatives. In a recent phone interview, Toomey said: “I have not made a decision, but it is something I intend to give very serous thought to after the election this year.” Toomey is keeping his political options open, as he is also considering a 2010 gubernatorial bid.

The Politico

That 2004 primary was one of the most depressing nights of my life.  To come all that way and lose by such a slim margin.

Unless Specter retires I find it unlikely that Toomey will run for the U.S. Senate again. I’m more inclined to see him run for governor of Pennsylvania, which the state will sorely need after eight years of Ed Rendell. Specter will be 80 years old in 2010 and he did claim in 2004 that this would be his last term, but I never believed that and as long as he is still in good health you can count on Snarlin’ Arlen to make another go for it.