Last month it became apparent that Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) was thinking as much about running for President in 2008 as he was about his fierce battle for reelection in 2006. In an attempt to deflect criticism for his misguided priorities, Santorum and his handlers have accused his opponent of political opportunism, reports Bob Cusack for The Hill:

Republican strategists in Pennsylvania are questioning Democratic Senate candidate Bob Casey Jr.’s commitment to completing a potential six-year term, noting that he has run for five public offices in the past nine years.

The move is a counterattack to Casey’s recent criticism of Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). The Hill last month reported that a media firm affiliated with Santorum had bought domain names suggesting that the senator was eyeing a 2008 presidential bid. At the time, a Casey campaign spokesman said, “This is just more evidence that serving the people of Pennsylvania is not Rick Santorum’s top priority.”

What's this all really about?

A recent Quinnipiac poll found that Casey has a 14-point lead over Santorum.

Perhaps it's time for Santorum to think a little bit more about actually representing the voters of his state rather than playing politics on any and every issue. He might actually have a shot at reelection if he ever deviates from the orthodox conservative Republican line on an issue.