MSNBC's Chris Matthews is reportedly getting even closer to making a run for Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter's seat, Politico reported Thursday. Matthews has reportedly discussed the possibility of a campaign with family members, who approved of the idea, and has picked out a house in Pennsylvania, which he needs to do in order to establish residency. He's also been asking advisors about whether he should stay at MSNBC as he gears up to run -- and at least one has told him it's time to quit.

Politico quotes one unnamed "Democratic operative" as saying, "We talked about the value of doing this now and six months from now. I advocated that he do this as soon as possible. It’s the MSNBC stuff that’s going to jam him up. I said, 'if you want to be a U.S. senator, step up and get into the race.'” Some people within MSNBC are reportedly hoping Matthews takes that advice, because of the appearance of bias caused by the rumors.

That said, though, there's also some speculation that Matthews is making these public gestures towards a campaign as a negotiation ploy. His contract expires in June, and next time around he might not get as much as the roughly $5 million he's making now, which is still less than what colleague -- and, it's rumored, rival -- Keith Olbermann is paid.