Free Republic

An environmental activist stepped out of Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race yesterday and pledged support for U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, the Montgomery County Democrat who has yet to officially declare his candidacy. John Hanger, a former state public utilities commissioner who heads the Harrisburg environmental group PennFuture, endorsed Hoeffel as he announced plans to drop his exploratory campaign. Hanger called Hoeffel a candidate who could beat Sen. Arlen Specter or U.S. Rep. Patrick Toomey, who will face each other in next year's Republican primary. Frank Custer, a Hoeffel spokesman, said the congressman will declare his candidacy shortly.

Sources have confirmed to PoliticsPA that Congressman Joseph Hoeffel has decided to run for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2004, but a formal announcement may be weeks away. The only other announced Democratic candidate has been Penn Future leader John Hanger, while former software company founder and CEO, musician, and philanthropist Charlie Crystle continues to mull a Senate bid. An open seat in the 13th Congressional District will be one of 2004's most contested races. The only announced Republican candidate for Congress, Ellen Bard, is likely to face stiff competition from 2002 nominee Dr. Melissa Brown, who came within...