Businessman Dan Meuser, one of the two leading Republicans looking to take on freshman Rep. Christopher Carney (D) in November, began airing a biographical TV spot last week.

“I grew up thinking one day that I would enter public service,” Meuser says in the 30-second spot.

As footage of Meuser and the 10th district flashes on the screen, he goes on to tell the audience that he wants to enter Congress to bring good-paying jobs to the district, restore “family values, and above all, [listen] to the voices of the hardworking men and women of the 10th district.”

Meuser’s principal Republican rival in the April 22 primary is another wealthy businessman, Chris Hackett. Although Carney has proved to be a solid fundraiser, he will still have a difficult time winning re-election in a district that President Bush carried in 2004 with 60 percent of the vote. Three More Republicans Enter Open-Seat Contest

Republican candidates are coming out of the woodwork in the open-seat race to replace retiring Rep. John Peterson (R).

Last week, three more candidates said they would join the fray. Centre County Republican Chairman G.T. Thompson Jr. said he would take a leave of absence from his job to run in the April 22 primary. He also said he would recuse himself from all party business that could affect the outcome of the Congressional race.

Clarion Borough Mayor John Stroup and Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski also said last week that they would run.

The trio joins a Republican field that includes former Centre County Commissioner Chris Exarchos, hotel developer Matt Shaner and financial analyst Derek Walker.

Several Democrats also are contemplating the race, though Republicans will be favored to hold the large, mostly rural district.
— Josh Kurtz