Pennsylvania Senate race labeled 'toss up' in last-minute shift by top handicapper

A top political handicapper shifted its rating on Monday in the pivotal Pennsylvania Senate race, signaling dwindling chances for Democratic Sen. Bob Casey's re-election. 

Unveiling two ratings changes roughly two weeks from Election Day, the Cook Political Report indicated heightened competition in both Pennsylvania and Nebraska, where an independent candidate is threatening to unseat an incumbent Republican. 

In Pennsylvania, the race between incumbent Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick is now considered a "Toss Up," according to the handicapper. The battle was previously rated "Lean Democrat."

SCHUMER-TIED GROUP DROPS MILLIONS AGAINST TED CRUZ AS DEMS EYE PICKUP OPPORTUNITY IN TEXAS

Cook cited McCormick "shoring up the GOP base and making gains in the western part of the state," as part of its justification. It also noted that while Casey has a several point advantage over his opponent in public polls, the race is reportedly within the margin of error in both Democratic and Republican internal surveys. 

Casey's race is now in the same category as Senate races in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. 

GOP CHALLENGER TIES SEN BALDWIN'S REMARK ABOUT TRUMP VOTERS TO CLINTON'S INFAMOUS 'DEPLORABLES' MOMENT