Lynn Swann

Is it ever to early to start picking sides?  Sure the 2008 election has not even hit its peak yet, but it’s never too early to start talking about 2010.  At least that is how it seems when you look at my inbox today. 

Earlier today, U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan announced he would be stepping down later this month. 

After his surprise victory over three-term incumbent Republican Congresswoman Melissa Hart in 2006, few would have guessed that Jason Altmire’s status as a superdelegate would enter into his 2008 reelection contest. But as Altmire gears up for what looks to be a competitive rematch with Hart in November, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is giving Altmire a bit of political heartburn.

Altmire remains uncommitted, and in recent weeks he has been courted extensively by both the Clinton and Obama camps – through surrogates and by the candidates themselves. The two sides have taken different approaches, he says. The Obama camp is gunning outright for the first term congressman’s support, but the Clinton camp, perhaps thinking Altmire’s endorsement is more of a long shot, has urged him to remain neutral in the race.

In an interview, Altmire said he didn’t feel any pressure over his decision, but withholding his decision until after Pennsylvania’s April 22 primary is a strong indication that he doesn’t want to pick a candidate only to discover that his Democratic constituents are going another way.