Jonathan Powers (D), an Iraq War veteran who has run a war relief organization for Iraqi children since returning stateside in 2005, will formally announce on June 26 that he is challenging powerful five-term Rep. Tom Reynolds (R) in 2008.

Powers is filing paperwork for a Congressional bid and will launch his candidacy at Clarence Town Park in his hometown.

“I’m excited to begin a conversation with Western New York families about the real change we can create by restoring leadership and accountability that emphasizes competence and results,” Powers said in a statement released Friday evening. “Washington is broken. If we’re going to change Washington, we need to change who we send to Washington.”

After gliding to three easy victories, Reynolds had two close calls in 2004 and 2006 against wealthy factory owner Jack Davis, who switched parties to become a Democrat just so he could run against the Congressman.

Powers is not personally wealthy but has some experience raising money and, according to Democratic insiders, already has put together an aggressive fundraising plan. He is also almost 50 years younger than Davis.

— Josh Kurtz