Pennsylvania for a number of months was considered an easy win for the Democrats. Bob Casey the Democratic Senator was cruising easily towards his reelection and the 20 electoral votes for the president seemed wrapped up for President Barack Obama.

However, things change. Tom Smith a Republican and his vast personal fortune have brought the state to the verge of an upset win for the Republicans and could upend the political landscape of the nation. The presidential race in the Keystone State has tightened considerable and now Smith, once a no-name Republican candidate for the Senate has GOP supporters believing in the possibility of a Republican win and giving the Republicans control of the Senate.

What is going on in Pennsylvania has been reflected nationally. Romney has jumped up in the polls following the first presidential debate, which gave him new opportunities in some states that were seen as definite Democratic wins.

The Senate landscape has shifted rapidly and prompted leaders in the GOP to reassess the states that are Democratic leaning like Pennsylvania and Connecticut, making the Northeast now the heart of the dwindling hopes of the GOP of taking control of the U.S. Senate.

Both Obama and Casey are still thought to be the favorites in Pennsylvania as there are over 1 million more Democrats registered in the state than Republicans. Many also feel that the new round of advertising that has slammed his opponents as just a tea party candidate has helped stem some of the gain Smith made recently in the polls.

Two polls in the last 10 days in Pennsylvania suggest that Smith has been able to erase the double digit lead Casey once enjoyed. One poll even said the lead his been trimmed to just 2 points.