A new Quinnipiac survey (1,381 RVs, 12/8-14, MoE +/- 2.6%) shows that Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter (D) has surpassed the critical 50 percent threshold in his first Democratic primary race, but remains in a tough race in the general election fight against Republican Pat Toomey.

Primary Election Matchup
Specter 53 (+9 vs. last poll, 10/1)
Sestak 30 (+5)
Und 15 (-13)

General Election Matchups
Specter 44 (+2)
Toomey 44 (+1)
Und 11 (-2)

Toomey 40 (+2)
Sestak 35 (unch)
Und 22 (-3)

Toomey maintains a small edge over Specter in the RCP Average.

Specter's job approval rating has ticked upward to 47 percent, from 44 percent in October, while 45 percent disapprove, down from 48 percent. President Obama's approval rating holds steady at 49 percent, though his disapproval rating jumped from 42 to 45 percent. More than 70 percent of voters say Obama's support for Specter has no impact on their preference in the Senate race.

Favorable Ratings
Specter 43 / 45
Toomey 35 / 10
Sestak 20 / 9

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