In Pennsylvania, newly turned Democrat Arlen Specter looks like he will get opposition from Rep. Joe Sestak, a former Navy Admiral who was talking about running for the Senate before Specter switched parties.

At first glance, Specter seemed to be the big time favorite, as his poll numbers were strong in the aftermath of his party switch.

But Sestak argues that he is a real Democrat and that it's time for someone new to replace to 79 year old Specter.

I'm sure that Republicans hope there is a Specter-Sestak donnybrook next year, knowing it might give the GOP nominee a better chance to win in November.

That still seems unlikely at this point, but you never know.

Up in New York, a battle now seems likely between Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who was put in the seat by the Governor to replace Hillary Clinton, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney.

Maloney is much more on the liberal side of the equation, and probably sees Gillibrand as someone who hasn't paid her dues.

On the GOP side, former Rep. Rick Lazio seems to be running. While the Republicans are in full retreat in the state of New York when it comes to the Congress, Lazio is a known quantity.

Again, the GOP might be able to benefit from a difficult race between the Democrats, especially since the primaries in New York don't happen until after Labor Day of 2010.

The Pennsylvania and New York Senate seats are probably longshots for the GOP, but it's better to have a longshot than no shot at all.