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Patrick Meehan (doj)

Pat Meehan, a former U.S. Attorney and Republican candidate for a House seat from the Philadelphia suburbs, is the only declared GOP candidate in the race, thanks to some careful maneuvering by the Delaware County Republican Party, The Bulletin of Philadelphia reports.

The seat will be open, as incumbent Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) has decided to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.). Initially, millionaire businessman Steve Welch was expected to run for the GOP nomination in the 7th congressional district; however, the party “successfully ‘persuaded’” him to run in the 6th district instead, The Bulletin reports.

However, Meehan might have one more hurdle to face — Dawn Stensland. The Bulletin reports that Stensland, a television reporter and anchor for Fox’s Philadelphia affiliate, is considering running for the Republican nomination in the 7th congressional district.

Dawn Stensland (Fox)

If Stensland were to run she likely would “generate an immediate buzz,” as she has been in the limelight as a TV personality, the newspaper reports. In addition, Stensland is the wife of former well-known television anchor man Larry Mendte. According to The Bulletin, “a serious and aggressive Stensland campaign has the ability to throw the Meehan effort way off track,” as Stensland already is a household name, while Meehan is not.

Meehan might have an advantage in the fundraising arena, as he raised $212,000 in the third quarter of this year, and has $210,942.01 on hand, according to his most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Three Democrats have announced their candidacies: state Rep. Bryan Lentz, attorney and environmental consultant Gail Conner, and political consultant E. Teresa Touey.