While most U.S. Senators would be too scared to go on Howard Stern's show, Specter did so - in person no less - yesterday morning, to promote his new book "Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate."

The Republican powerhouse discussed Eliot Spitzer, chemo, cancer research, and the economy with a captivated Stern, according to marksfriggin.com, which chronicles Stern's Sirius Satellite Radio program.

While talking about Spitzer, Stern said all men are going to be attracted to younger women and Specter agreed, saying he is a red-blooded American so he's been tempted, but he's always been faithful to his wife of 55 years, former City Councilwoman Joan Specter. Asked how long he'll work in the Senate, Specter said he'll work as long as he feels he's at the top of his game.

Obama on WIP this morning

Sen. Barack Obama is scheduled to be interviewed by Angelo Cataldi and Co. on 610 WIP at 7:40 this morning, Cataldi confirmed last night. The host joked that any rumors of him becoming Obama's running mate are just that. Last week Sen. Hillary Clinton was interviewed on Q102's Booker morning show.

Out and about

Actor/musician Jeff Daniels and "Gilmore Girls" mom Lauren Graham were among a party of five at Tinto (114 S. 20th) Tuesday night. They're here shooting "The Dream of Romans," a romantic comedy from writer/director John Hindman that's filming here for about a month.

Eagles Brent Celek and Stewart Bradley stopped into O'Neal's (611 S. 3rd) on St. Patrick's Day. Revelers tried to get Bradley to drink but the Mormon doesn't touch alcohol.

Flyers Scottie Upshall and Scott Hartnell celebrated their win over the Thrashers Tuesday night with a few drinks at McGillin's (1310 Drury) where the gentlemen were happy to pose for pictures with Flyers fans.

610 WIP's Joe Conklin and Big Daddy Graham took in the Walnut Street Theatre's production of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple," Tuesday night. The comedian friends starred in the show two years ago at the JCC Klein Branch (Red Lion & Jamison).

'Colbert' tapings a tough ticket

Stephen Colbert's fans act fast. Tickets for tapings of Comedy Central's "Colbert Report" at the University of Pennsylvania's Zellerbach Theatre, are all gone.

The show's taping here April 14-17 to coincide with the April 16 Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton debate at the National Constitution Center. It's the late-night host's first time broadcasting from outside of New York.

Kia Gregory to join Inqwaster

The Inqwaster has hired away Philadelphia Weekly star columnist/reporter Kia Gregory. She'll start there April 4. "We're hoping she can hit the ground running in early April and help out with our primary coverage before settling into a permanent assignment," said Inqwaster editors Vernon Loeb and Gabriel Escobar in a staff memo.

In other PW news, Tara Murtha starts today as arts and entertainment editor as Steven Wells is leaving to freelance. PW editor Tim Whitaker says he'll miss Gregory, who's "a class act," and he hopes the Inqwaster will "allow her to express herself."

Miss Philadelphia coming up

People Paper columnist Jenice Armstrong, Miss New Jersey 2006 Georgine DiMaria, former City Controller Jonathan Saidel and TV/radio host Ruth Weisberg are among judges of the the 2008 Miss Philadelphia pageant March 29 at Drexel University's Mandell Theatre. Armstrong's been in a few beauty pageants herself and Weisberg was 1980's Miss Philadelphia. Drexel will again match all cash college scholarships awarded to pageant contestants. Tickets are $25, by calling 215-735-1903. The contest is a preliminary event toward the Miss America competition.

The Van Buren Boys unmasked

Josh Barr, Kevin Barr and Rory Young were the members of the Van Buren Boys, the winning team at our last "Seinfeld" trivia event at the Khyber (56 S. 2nd) on Monday. We mentioned the team's victory yesterday, but did not yet know the players' names. *

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