Free Republic

WASHINGTON | -- Pennsylvania's Democratic House members are encouraging state Sen. Lisa Boscola to run for the open 15th District seat. Boscola, of Bethlehem, met with the seven members Thursday morning on Capitol Hill. ''I was impressed, and I think the other ones were, too,'' said Rep. John Murtha of Johnstown, the delegation leader heading up recruitment efforts in the state. Murtha said he liked Boscola's drive and reputation as a hard-working campaigner. ''A Democrat certainly has a chance of winning,'' he said. ''She could be a very formidable candidate.'' Boscola didn't make a commitment, saying she wanted to talk...

Moving aggressively to unite behind a top prospect in one of their most vulnerable open seats, Congressional Republicans are set to unofficially kick off the race for Pennsylvania's 15th district tonight by hosting two events for the state lawmaker they want to succeed Rep. Pat Toomey. State Sen. Charlie Dent, described as the "heir apparent" to the party's nomination, will be the featured guest at back-to-back meet-and-greet events at the Capitol Hill Club. National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Reynolds (N.Y.) is hosting one reception for Dent, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce PAC. A separate event is being...

HARRISBURG | -- State Rep. T.J. Rooney has closed the door on running for Congress after learning that Gov. Ed Rendell will formally recommend him to be the next chairman of the state Democratic Party. U.S. Rep. Jack Murtha, D-Johnstown, the dean of the state's House delegation, had recruited the Bethlehem lawmaker to run in the 15th District. Rooney says he was flattered but felt he could be more effective in Harrisburg than in Washington.