WirePOLITICS: NRCC gives Petri a boost

Tom Waring, the Wire

The National Republican Congressional Committee has placed state Rep. Scott Petri, who is running in the 8th Congressional District, on its On the Radar program.

The program will help provide candidates the tools they need to run campaigns against their Democratic opponents.

Petri is part of the program because he is running in a competitive district, and the NRCC believes he has a campaign organization and the potential to succeed.

The On the Radar program is the first of three levels in the Young Guns program, which supports and mentors challenger and open-seat candidates in races across the country. Officially an NRCC effort for the last three election cycles, the program requires its candidates to work toward specific goals and meet benchmarks throughout the year to ensure their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded and communicative within their districts.

Petri was elected to serve the 178th Legislative District in 2002. He chairs the House Ethics and Urban Affairs committees. An attorney, he lives in Upper Makefield Township with his wife, Ellen, and their son, Drew.

Other Republicans running are attorney Dean Malik and former Bucks County Commissioner Andy Warren.

The Democratic candidates are state Rep. Steve Santarsiero and scientist and publishing company owner Shaughnessy Naughton.

Republican Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick is not seeking another term.