On this evening’s Ed Show, Congressman Joe Sestak declared his intention, family willing, to primary Arlen Specter for the Dem nomination for US Senate from Pennsylvania. That would upset Pres. Obama’s plans, who is attempting to create a smooth glide path to the nomination for Specter.

I’m no expert on PA politics, but it sure seems like a Sestak primary challenge would be a good thing for Republicans.   It could work out one of two ways:

1. Specter wins.  But to woo the Dem primary electorate, he would have to stake out positions more liberal than he’d like, positions that would come back to bite him in the general. And he’d be forced to spend much of his war chest during the primary, leaving him weakened in facing his Republican opponent.

2. Sestak wins.  Yeah he’s a retired admiral, but he’s also a full-fledged liberal and someone who would probably be easier to defeat than the well-established Specter.

Here was the exchange.

ED SCHULTZ: Big question on the minds of a lot of liberals: will Arlen Specter face a challenge from the left in the state of Pennsylvania for the primary? Tonight, we may have an answer for you.  Joining me now is Congressman Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania.  Joe, there’s a lot of traffic out there, a lot of conversation, that you’re going to jump in this thing and challenge Mr. Specter in Pennsylvania.  Tell us tonight, is that true or false?

JOE SESTAK: Ed, first of all, thanks for letting me be back aboard. Ed, I kept my word.  After weeks ago coming on yours and other shows and said I don’t understand why the political establishment in Washington, DC did an annointment of Arlen Specter. I don’t know if that’s best for us Pennsylvanians.  And so I’ve spent the last weeks listening, and actually deeply thinking about it.

Frankly, yes, Ed.  My intentions are to get in this race, pending a final family decision.