"Are these races expected to incluence the Congressional race?"
Rendell is affirmatively unpopular in Western PA, and Lynn Swann will probably win huge margins in the region. The district voted for Kerry over President Bush by only 51%-48% in 2004, but I think that Swann will carry it in 2006 with between 52%-55%.
As for the Senate race, Santorum is from the Pittsburgh area and has run fairly well in the district in the past, but Bob Casey, Jr. has a good profile for the district and will likely carry it by a bit more than Kerry did.
One thing to keep in mind about Bob Casey. He's currently the state treasurer and is presently embroiled in the midnight legislative payraise scandal.
This will bump up his negatives in the district and statewide, and Rick can beat him over the head with it at any time.
The working class folks around here are slowly becoming aware of Casey's record. This race will begin to tighten as we move toward November.I fully expect Rick to carry the district.
The treasurer's admission:Resign Mr. Casey
The Real Bob Casey