The dust has barely settled on the Pennsylania Primary, which of course means it must be time to start the fall campaign. Yes, on the day before the first day of summer.

One thing became clear in the aftermath of our historic primary. Pennsylvania was again going to be in play as a major swing state in the presidential derby between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.

Over and above that, the Pennsylvania vote could well be once again decided by the key counties in the five-county Philadelphia region.

It likely was no accident that Obama already has spent a weekend in these parts, holding a town meeting at Radnor Middle School just last Saturday.

We should get used to seeing both Democrat Obama and Republican McCain as they joust for the key suburban voting bloc.

For Republicans in Delaware County, it will be an opportunity to reverse a rare losing streak. They have seen the county go Democratic in the last four presidential races. Twice the county backed Bill Clinton, and they followed that up by supporting Al Gore and John Kerrey, albeit in losing efforts.

A new poll out this week puts Obama well ahead of McCain in Pennsylvania. The Quinniac College poll gives the Democrat a 52-40 edge.

That’s a bit surprising in light of the fact that Obama lost the state to Hillary Clinton just eight weeks ago.

I’m guessing that margin will get a lot closer, and the battle for Delaware County will be just as intense.

Forget the traditional post-Labor Day start of the campaign. It’s going to be a long, hot summer of presidential politics.