Former Rep. Melissa Hart (R), who hopes to get her old job back in the 4th district, is in Washington, D.C., this week to raise money for her 2008 candidacy and obtain the support of House Republicans, according to a House GOP leadership aide.

This aide said Hart participated in a fundraiser Tuesday morning with House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) and made an appearance at the weekly House Republican Conference meeting.

Hart lost her Republican-leaning suburban Pittsburgh seat last year to now-Rep. Jason Altmire (D). Altmire reported banking $514,000 to close the second quarter, putting him well out in front of Hart in the money chase.

Hart only recently jumped into the race, and banked only $3,700 to close the second quarter.

— David M. Drucker