While former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum has been hinting at a presidential run, a new poll from Democratic firm Public Policy Polling shows he’s currently the best hope for Pennsylvania Republicans hoping to defeat Democrat Sen. Bob Casey in 2012.
According to PPP, if it’s Casey vs. Santorum, Casey would capture 48 percent of the vote to Santorum’s 41 percent. The next best contender would be former governor Mark Schweiker, who would win 34 percent to Casey’s 47 percent.
In 2006, Casey defeated Santorum 59 percent to 41 percent.