Casey story

Mr. Schumer and Mr. Reid could not be reached for comment Friday, but a senior Democratic aide at the committee said Mr. Reid "feels pretty strongly about Casey's ability to take Santorum on."

Mr. Reid called Mr. Casey a few days ago, the aide said.

"He's willing to travel to Pennsylvania to woo him," the aide said. "If anybody is able to beat Santorum, Bob Casey's the man to do it ... We are very eager to see him run."

The aide pointed out Mr. Casey would run on a Democratic ticket that includes Gov. Ed Rendell, who will be seeking a second term and whom the committee considers a sure winner. Mr. Casey neutralizes Mr. Santorum's perceived advantage on social issues such as abortion, the aide said. Both are staunchly pro-life.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Casey insists he's focused on taking the oath as treasurer Jan. 18 and doing the job. Mr. Casey has repeatedly said that himself.

But a source close to Mr. Casey confirmed he might be interested in a Senate run if the DSCC makes sure he's unchallenged in the Democratic primary and kicks in millions of dollars in support.

With top national Democrats begging him to run, Mr. Casey has a major life decision to make: Does he want to serve in state or federal government?

He has little to lose by running.

Republicans might try to paint him as a professional candidate because a run in 2006 will mean he's been on a statewide ballot four times in seven years.

But losing to Mr. Santorum will still leave him as a leading contender for governor in 2010, his target since he lost to Mr. Rendell in the 2002 primary.

If Mr. Casey becomes senator, he'll have to give up -- for quite some time, if not forever -- any plans to follow in his father's footsteps into the governor's office. He'd hardly be able to run for governor in 2010 only three years into his first Senate term.

We're still betting Mr. Casey won't do it and that he'll stick with his goal of running state government someday.

He's never shown any inclination otherwise...