Moveon.org and the Obama machine are parting ways, at least with regard to Tuesday's Democratic senate primary in Pennsylvania. Late last week Moveon.org announced its members are supporting Representative Joe Sestak (D-Pennsylvania) while Obama & Company's Organizing for America continues to support incumbent Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pennsylvania) in his quest for re-election.

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Created during the Clinton impeachment crisis, Moveon.org defines itself as "one of the largest Political Action Committees in the country" and claims it "brings real Americans into politics to fight for a more progressive America and elect progressive candidates." (source) Through a spokesman on Friday, the group said the Sestak endorsement means that the group will help generate volunteers and do get-out-the-vote efforts for that candidate. (source)

Organizing for America, the successor organization to Obama for America, says they are "building on the movement that elected President Obama by empowering communities across the country to bring about our agenda of change." (source) While that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for a five-term senator who was a member of the opposing party until just a year ago and endorsed John McCain over Barack Obama in 2008, OFA is trying to rally support for Mr. Specter. "OFA folks recognize he has been a strong ally to the president on issues," OFA National Press Secretary Lynda Tran recently told reporters. She said OFA members are "talking to people on the phones and at the doors, reaching out to their neighbors and engaging people." President Obama himself has also endorsed Senator Specter. (source)

Democratic voters seem as split on the race as these multi-million dollar "grassroots" organizations. Today's Muhlenberg College/Morning Call poll shows Senator Specter with just a one point lead (44% to 43%) over Representative Sestak - well within the margin of error. (source)

Regardless of which Democrat gets the nod on Tuesday, the winner will limp into the general election campaign having been beaten and bloodied during a tough primary fight. And based on the Moveon.org/OFA split, their party presence in the Keystone state won't be as fresh as the proverbial daisy either.