Last weekend, at a meeting of Pennsylvania Republicans in Harrisburg, there were unmistakable concerns that Perry atop the ticket could make life harder for candidates running down-ballot in the southeast region of the state, which encompasses Philadelphia and its vote-rich suburbs.

Most agreed that Romney would be an easier sell to the fiscally conservative, socially liberal voters who play an outsize role in deciding both statewide and swing district congressional races.

“I don’t think Rick Perry is going over real well in the southeast,” said suburban state Sen. John Rafferty, who’s running for state attorney general. “Romney would do better.”

Michael Meehan, the Philadelphia GOP leader and influential state party southeast caucus chairman, deadpanned of a Perry-leading ticket: “It wouldn’t be the first time that it’s every candidate for himself.”

Other Republicans from traditionally competitive states echo these concerns — but are hesitant to say so on the record out of fear of offending the potential nominee.

“I think Perry is just too hot,” said a longtime Ohio strategist, suggesting that Obama couldn’t scare swing voters about Romney the way he could with the Texan.