Has U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Scranton) managed to position himself as Pennsylvania's No. 1 Democrat, ahead of the man he lost to in the 2002 Democratic gubernatorial primary, Ed Rendell?

A Centre Daily Times article published Sunday made that argument.

The junior senator's claim to the throne stems from his relationship with President-elect Barack Obama, who he endorsed and then campaigned vigorously for during Pennsylvania's Democratic primary.

"I think it always helps when you have a personal relationship to an incoming administration and particularly to the president-elect," Casey told the paper.

"(Obama) is someone who listens carefully, who understands the challenges a state like Pennsylvania faces. He comes from a state (Illinois) of similar size and similar diversity."

Franklin & Marshall College pollster Terry Madonna said Casey is Obama's "number 1 go-to guy in the state."

Rendell was an avid supporter of Hillary Clinton during her presidential bid and is often credited with masterminding her commanding nine-point victory over Obama in Pennsylvania's April primary. The governor did, however, vigorously support Obama after he emerged as the party's nominee.

And as his term enters its last two years, Rendell is nearing lame-duck status.

Casey has been rumored as a possible 2010 gubernatorial candidate, although his entrance into the race appears unlikely.