MINNETONKA, Minn. -- Montgomery County Republican Commissioner Jim Matthews said comments he made earlier Tuesday that he would support his brother, MSNBC host Chris Matthews, over U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Philadelphia) in a potential 2010 Senate matchup have been blown out of proportion.

The remarks drew criticism from the conservative blog GrassrootsPA.com, where many of the site's readers questioned why Matthews was even labeled a Republican anymore.

But Matthews told PolitickerPA.com he was careful to say only he would "vote" for his brother, and only after MSNBC host Joe Scarborough prodded him several times. His vote does not mean he'll campaign against his friend Specter.

"Of course I'll vote for my brother," Matthews said while sitting in the lobby of the Pennsylvania delegation's Southwest Marriott hotel. "I want to meet the guy who wouldn't vote for his brother."

"That's up to them," he said later, referring to those critical of his remarks. "But that's a small mind, and a smaller heart."

Chris Matthews has been rumored to be considering a run against Specter in 2010, although he would likely face stiff opposition from some state Democrats, such as U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Abington).

Jim Matthews said he has discussed his thinking with Specter. Campaigning against his old friend "would be very, very hard," he said.