State Republican leaders are looking someone to challenge U.S. Senator Bob Casey in next year’s election, and some are suggesting State House Majority Leader Dave Reed as the man for the job.
State Representative Rick Saccone of Allegheny County has filed his federal papers to seek the seat, and Montgomery County businessman Jeff Bartos is considering a run, but according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Reed has been approached by a number of people…about a number of different positions, including Casey’s seat. The paper quotes House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin as saying Reed for now is focused on this legislative session, which he also told Indiana In the Morning recently when asked about his new website. State Republican Party Chairman Val DiGiorgio says Reed “wants to run statewide.”
Another name mentioned as possible challengers to Casey include former Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley, who is a popular choice with GOP insiders.
The Inquirer predicts that Casey’s campaign will be focused on President Trump, no matter who runs against him for Senate. Casey’s opponent in 2012 was the late Elderton businessman, Tom Smith.