Matthews of 'Hardball' eyeing Senate run

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- MSNBC "Hardball" host Chris Matthews has been meeting with top Democrats regarding a possible run at the U.S. Senate, officials say.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Director Mary Isenhour said she met with the 62-year-old Philadelphia native about a possible campaign for the Pennsylvania Senate seat, the Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News said Saturday.

But Isenhour said Matthews did not render a decision and was considering the pros and cons of running of a political career.

"He's got a lot of things he still needs to consider," Isenhour said after meeting with Matthews and fellow state Democrat T.J. Rooney last week. "He's got a really good job with MSNBC. I think he's going to put some thought into it before he jumps in."

G. Terry Madonna, a Franklin & Marshall College public affairs specialist, said Matthews would serve as a formidable nominee for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.

"Matthews understands politics," Madonna told the Patriot-News. "We'll look at his strengths and weaknesses if he decides to run, but at the moment, he's very formidable."