Matthews makes a splash at Pa. delegation breakfast

MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews with former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies.: Politicker photo

DENVER-The moment he strode into the room, nearly all eyes were focused on him. Chris Matthews, the MSNBC Hardball host and possible U.S. Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, made an unexpected visit to the Pennsylvania delegation breakfast this morning, glad-handing political insiders and posing for pictures with anyone who asked.

And oh, did they ask.

Matthews was clearly the most popular man in the hotel ballroom here for a couple hours.

"You're a celebrity here Chris," one woman called out as she waited her turn to be photographed with Matthews.

Much ink has been spilled speculating whether Matthews will make a Democratic run against U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) in 2010, even as Matthews himself has said little on the matter publicly.

During a brief interview with PolitickerPa.com in between photographs, Matthews seemed to lack certainty over what sort of calculus would play into his eventual decision.

Chris Matthews talks with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.: Politicker photo"I don't have an answer; I haven't gone through that," he acknowledged after ruminating on his experience in the Peace Corps and as a journalist, and on his appreciation for service of different kinds.

"There's something really great about service," Matthews said.

He also wouldn't divulge any timeline for making his decision.

"I think in the middle of the night you decide," he said.

Matthews also seemed to acknowledged that in public office, he was seeking greater personal connection with people. He recalled accompanying Gov. Ed Rendell on a campaign trip years ago, watching him interact with different voters.

"There was a relationship he had with people that came from service, not just celebrity," Matthews said.

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