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The Pennsylvania Democratic Senate primary election between incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter and Congressman Joe Sestak heats up as the two battle it out through campaign ads.
Drawing special attention are some conflicting ads run by Specter's campaign.
ANNOUNCER: "President Obama and newspapers across Pennsylvania agree, Arlen Specter is the real deal.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: "I want to say a few things about Arlen Specter. He came to fight for the working men and women of Pennsylvania... Because you know he's going to fight for you regardless of what the politics are."
FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH: "I'm here to say this as plainly as I can, Arlen Specter is the right man for the United States Senate. I can count on this man. See, that's important. He's a firm ally when it matters most."
An MSNBC political analyst reacts to the campaign ads.
"The film footage from commercial number two is also on the air now in terms of a Sestak anti-Specter commercial that is running. And that's what caused commercial number one with the president, to then be shown by the Specter folks. There's a week left, Chris. These are big bombshells dropped in Pennsylvania. They're very effective. It makes me wonder what's going to take place in the next six days because you think this is the way they're going to finish the race."
The Washington Post points out Specter isn't funding his campaign ads alone.
"The national Democratic Party is pouring cash into funding Specter's TV ad campaign starring President Obama, I'm told. ... He's been a Republican for most of his career, so it seems particularly awkward for him to be benefiting from national party money against a longtime Dem."
The Director of Politics for the University of Virginia tells Fox News, Specter's party switch could be his demise.
"It's very clear now that Specter is in deep trouble. Remember he's been in since early 1981... He switched parties which generally means that neither party really trusts you and that's what's happening. Congressman Joe Sestak in the Democratic primary has been airing ads reminding people that Specter was a Republican and remember, just Democrats or mainly Democrats will be voting in this primary."
President Obama has endorsed Specter, but CNN highlights how Specter's voting history clashes with the president's recent Supreme Court nomination.
"Arlen Specter right now is the only Democrat in the Senate to vote against Elana Kagan for Solicitor General last year. It's one week from today that Specter will face those Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters who will decide whether to send him back to the Senate. Specter now says he is open to the idea of voting for Kagan for the Supreme Court."
Fox 29 in Philadelphia looks at the effects of Specter's party change and campaign ads.
"Take a look at this turn, Joe Sestak now up with a five point lead. But back on February 8, this is what the race looked like according to Rasmussen. It appeared Arlen Specter was running away with it. His advantage was 51 percent to 36 percent. So from 15 points down to five points up."
Will Specter's decision to change parties haunt him at the polls or will voters reward his switch with a primary victory?
Get more multi-source political news with video analysis from Newsy.com.
Writer: Tyler Goetz
Producer: Newsy Staff
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