Arlen Specter

Is it true that the White House is engaging in dubious political tactics, or is this sort of partronage commonplace in Washington? Peter Baker of our partner, The New York Times, has the latest on this developing story.

Key primary races in Kentucky, Arkansas and Pennsylvania may serve to illustrate whether anti-incumbent sentiment is changing the political winds. New York Times’ Marcus Mabry and WNYC’s Charlie Herman join us.

Anti-incumbent fever has taken down two Washington heavyweights in less than a week. Many are wondering if incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter, Republican-turned-Democrat, will be the next to lose his primary.

Two key political contests slated for next Tuesday in Pennsylvania may offer some insight into whether a growing anti-incumbent sentiment will be enough to shift the political landscape nationwide.

Joining The Takeaway are Lloyd Doggett, a Democratic congressman from Texas whose constituents became unruly at a recent town hall, and Max Pappas of FreedomWorks, an organization that encourages its members to challenge Democratic health care reform.