Paul Huber, a Republican businessman from northwestern Pennsylvania, has joined the race to unseat freshman Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper in the state’s 3rd District.

Huber recently filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to establish a campaign in Pennsylvania’s 3rd, which includes Erie and some rural territory to the south and east, including his hometown of Meadville.

Huber is the second Republican who has made formal plans to challenge Dahlkemper in 2010. Elaine Surma, a senior narcotic agent for the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, also is planning a bid for the GOP nomination.

In an interview, Huber touted his background in business — he headed a company that makes industrial heating equipment — and said it would serve him well in Congress.