President Barack Obama is making good on his promise to campaign for Sen. Arlen Specter, who switched parties earlier this year to run for re-election as a Democrat.

In an e-mail Tuesday from Specter’s campaign, the 29-year incumbent announced that Obama will headline a Sept. 15 fundraising reception for him at the Philadelphia convention center.

Obama and other Democratic leaders vowed to support Specter after he switched parties, even though he now faces what is expected to be a bloody primary against Rep. Joe Sestak (D). Former Rep. Pat Toomey is the likely GOP nominee.

Iraq Veteran to Challenge Pike in 6th District Race

Iraq War veteran Manan Trivedi announced Tuesday that he will run for the Democratic nod in the suburban Philadelphia 6th district.

“I am now prepared to serve my community in a new capacity: in the halls of Congress,— Trivedi said in a statement.

In the past, Democrats have unsuccessfully targeted the seat held by Rep. Jim Gerlach (R), who is stepping down to run for governor.

Trivedi’s entrance into the race creates a primary with former editorial writer Doug Pike (D), who already boasts support from several Keystone State Members. The son of former Rep. Otis Pike (D-N.Y.) has also indicated that he could pour significant funds of his own — up to $1 million — into his campaign in the expensive Philly media market.

Two Republicans, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello and state Rep. Curt Schroder, are running.

Businessman Launches Bid Against Dahlkemper

Businessman Paul Huber (R) recently filed paperwork to challenge freshman Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D) in 2010.

“I’m running for Congress because the country is moving in the wrong direction,— Huber said in a statement. “With a background running a business, I understand economic development and job creation.—

Dahlkemper defeated Rep. Phil English (R) last year by a slim margin. Accordingly, Huber is not the only Republican interested in the race. Former Erie County Solicitor John Onorato has said he’s also running for the nod.