It's not even Labor Day and the 2006 U.S. Senate candidates are already storming out of the gate. Last Wednesday, Democrat Bob Casey Jr. dropped by the Old City nightclub 32° for a fundraiser held in his honor. Casey, the current state treasurer, is the odds-on favorite to face incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum next year. Richard DeMarco, an attorney with Klehr Harrison, and his brother James, of DeMarco and DeMarco, co-chaired the $100-a-ticket event that was attended by more than 100 youngish well-heeled and politically connected types. Most were lawyers and lobbyists.

Casey made his way down the long bar, chatting up supporters, who were in a good mood because of the free spirits. Richard DeMarco said it was important to start the fundraising effort early considering Casey has less than $2 million, compared to Santorum, who has more than $5 million.

"It's been a tough year for Democrats," said DeMarco, who introduced Casey and state Rep. Michael Gerber.

"Too long have we been disenfranchised by the Republicans," said Gerber, who was one of the state House members who refused a recent pay raise. "Bob knows what's good for Pennsylvania."

Casey's speech was similar to those he gave when he was running for governor in 2002. He focused on the needs of working families and affordable and safe childcare. Light on national issues, Casey mentioned neither foreign policy nor Iraq, but appealing to the common voter about simple everyday needs may be his campaign strategy.

"My focus is on the welfare of the state and I will not be grandstanding in Washington like Rick Santorum," he said. "I can't wait to debate him. Rick is out of step with Pennsylvania."

The eldest son of the late Gov. Bob Casey, he served two terms as the state's auditor general. Later, he lost his gubernatorial primary bid to Ed Rendell. Last year, he received an astounding number of votes in the treasurer's race.

Earlier this year, Rendell tapped Casey to run against Santorum, on the premise that he is the challenger that's most likely to win. Recent polls have shown Casey ahead of Santorum. Both are pro-life Catholics.

Despite the poll results, Casey's opponent is formidable, having spent almost 11 years on the Hill. He's also been out on the campaign trail locally.

The afternoon after Casey's event, Santorum was the special guest of Dr. Edwin Camiel, a psychiatrist and nephew of the late Democratic City Chairman Peter Camiel, and his wife, Judith, at their Merion Station residence.

The event was not a fundraiser but a chance for Santorum to meet with Jewish conservatives — community leaders and residents such as consumer reporter Herb Denenberg and Rabbi Yochonon Goldman of Congregation B'nai Abraham. Businessman Bob Guzzardi organized the event attended by about 50 people.

Santorum was in town for a book signing at a nearby Barnes & Noble. Though some guests had heard that protesters were planning to go to the bookstore, Santorum arrived with little fanfare and no handlers. He spent some time autographing It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, his much-publicized tome about his feelings on the central and vital role of the family structure [WTF, "Lie Down With the Devil," Duane Swierczynski, July 28, 2005].

Santorum spoke briefly about his Senate bill advocating regime change in Iran, a position that President Bush supports. "But no one would sign on until I changed the language of the bill to "Free and Fair Elections,' and then I had 26 co-sponsors," said Santorum.

He then criticized "the liberal media" as being unfair and unbalanced, and predicted that people would stop looking at the "mainstream media" for their news and would turn to alternative news outlets, such as conservative bloggers and clearly conservative newspapers, instead.

Santorum lamented that Washington reporters got a hold of his book while it was still embargoed, so he wasn't ready for the immediate backlash. He also had just learned that the book is on the New York Times best-seller list.

Some of the guests wanted to know if he was running for president in 2008. Santorum shook his head.

"Well then, who?" one guest persisted.

"We know that Sen. [Hillary] Clinton will be the Democratic nominee," replied Santorum.

"What Republicans?"

"I don't see any true leadership among the Republican governors," said Santorum.

"Condi Rice? John McCain?"

"I don't think Condoleezza has the constitution for it," he responded. "John McCain does; he has the constitution but I don't think he can win."

Ultimately, Santorum didn't come up with a name, so he was drafted for the job.