I am losing count!
As of this morning, the competition sat at 10 (possibly 11 for the seat); most of which are Republicans.
Surely that is no surprise in this neck of the woods, but I find it very interesting that so many GOP candidates are getting into the race. That seems to me to be an indication of displeasure with many of the others that have already cast themselves into the fray. Maybe not, but what else can one conclude when the field continues to just get deeper and deeper as the day where's on.I am losing count!
This morning the CDT was reporting that two new contenders were bringing the total interested in Peterson's seat up to 10. The two newest candidates are Clarion Borough Mayor John Stroup (GOP), and John Coleman (GOP), president of the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County. Additionally, there was speculation that "Benson Lichtig, a State College businessman, was understood to be giving serious thought to running for the Democratic nod."
Then this afternoon, "Glenn "G.T." Thompson Jr., chairman of the Republican Party in Centre County, declared" his candidacy.
So as it sits now, we have a confirmed pool of 11, with the possibility of a twelfth. Who knows who else might get into this race.
According to comments made yesterday on my cross-post at Keystone Politics, Don Hilliard has confirmed he will not be running. Clearly this is fine with me, but some other posters did not appear to appreciate my characterization of him. I felt bad briefly, but it passed...That's why they call it a "personal opinion."
I was also informed that Keith Bierly won't be entering the race. This commenter also provided this link on Villelo of Lock Haven for more information on his candidacy.
Word on the street, in the papers, and on the blogs is that Clarion Borough Mayor John Stroup will win the nomination because he is from the western part of the district, and not part of the pool from the Centre/Clearfield areas that will fight to divide the majority vote between them. I would surely have felt the same, until today with the announcement of G.T. Thompson. As the Chairman of the party in Centre County, he has considerable influence within the region, and existing connections throughout the 5th District.
In any event, this field is getting more crowded by the day. The nomination process is going to get dirty, and quick. The primary is April 22nd, so the mud should start to fly almost immediately.