In a unified show of support for one of their top recruits this cycle, leading national and state Democrats will endorse Rep. Joe Hoeffel’s (D-Pa.) 2004 Senate bid today.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Jon Corzine (N.J.) today will tout their support of Hoeffel at a news conference following a meeting with top party donors in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) is also scheduled to attend the press conference.

“The fact that they’re here 14 months before the election indicates a high level of support,” said Ken Snyder, a consultant to Hoeffel’s campaign.

National Democrats have been highly impressed with Hoeffel’s showing as a candidate so far, noting specifically his energy and devotion to fundraising. He officially announced his candidacy in July.

Hoeffel, who is the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, will face either Sen. Arlen Specter (R) or Rep. Pat Toomey (R), who are squaring off in a primary.

A poll conducted for the DSCC in June found the percentage of voters who favored Specter’s re-election was just 41 percent, a number similar to that of other incumbents who were later defeated in recent cycles. The poll also found that Specter had an overall job performance rating of 49 percent and a favorability rating of 58 percent.

Still, the poll found that Specter would beat Hoeffel, who does not have high statewide name recognition, 53 percent to 26 percent in a head-to-head matchup.