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2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania

April 10, 2024

The 2008 congressional elections in Pennsylvania was held on November 4, 2008, to determine who will represent the state of Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives. Pennsylvania has 19 seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009, until January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania
← 2006 November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 →
All 19 Pennsylvania seats to the United States House of Representatives
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Last election 11 8
Seats won 12 7
Seat change 1 1
Popular vote 3,209,168 2,520,805
Percentage 55.45% 43.55%
Swing 0.12% 0.37%

District 3 was the only seat which changed party (from Republican to Democratic), although CQ Politics had forecasted districts 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15 and 18 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.

Match-up summary edit

District Democratic Republican Others Total Result
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %
District 1 242,799 90.76% 24,714 9.24% 0 0.00% 267,513 100.00% Democratic hold
District 2 276,870 88.93% 34,466 11.07% 0 0.00% 311,336 100.00% Democratic hold
District 3 146,846 51.24% 139,757 48.76% 0 0.00% 286,603 100.00% Democratic gain
District 4 186,536 55.86% 147,411 44.14% 0 0.00% 333,947 100.00% Democratic hold
District 5 112,509 41.04% 155,513 56.72% 6,155 2.24% 274,177 100.00% Republican hold
District 6 164,952 47.90% 179,423 52.10% 0 0.00% 344,375 100.00% Republican hold
District 7 209,955 59.59% 142,362 40.41% 0 0.00% 352,317 100.00% Democratic hold
District 8 197,869 56.77% 145,103 41.63% 5,543 1.59% 348,515 100.00% Democratic hold
District 9 98,735 36.08% 174,951 63.92% 0 0.00% 273,686 100.00% Republican hold
District 10 160,837 56.33% 124,681 43.67% 0 0.00% 285,518 100.00% Democratic hold
District 11 146,379 51.63% 137,151 48.37% 0 0.00% 283,530 100.00% Democratic hold
District 12 155,268 57.85% 113,120 42.15% 0 0.00% 268,388 100.00% Democratic hold
District 13 196,868 62.79% 108,271 34.53% 8,374 2.67% 313,513 100.00% Democratic hold
District 14 242,326 91.26% 0 0.00% 23,214 8.74% 265,540 100.00% Democratic hold
District 15 128,333 41.43% 181,433 58.57% 0 0.00% 309,766 100.00% Republican hold
District 16 120,193 39.39% 170,329 55.82% 14,645 4.80% 305,167 100.00% Republican hold
District 17 192,699 63.68% 109,909 36.32% 0 0.00% 302,608 100.00% Democratic hold
District 18 119,661 35.93% 213,349 64.07% 0 0.00% 333,010 100.00% Republican hold
District 19 109,533 33.35% 218,862 66.65% 0 0.00% 328,395 100.00% Republican hold
Total 3,209,168 55.45% 2,520,805 43.55% 57,931 1.00% 5,787,904 100.00%
Popular vote
Democratic
 
 55.57%
Republican
 
 43.55%
Other
 
 1.00%
House seats
Democratic
 
 63.16%
Republican
 
 36.84%

District 1 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district

Five-term incumbent Bob Brady (D) ran for another term after losing his bid to be mayor of Philadelphia. He was challenged by businessman Mike Muhammad (R). This race was viewed as noncompetitive, as it took place in heavily Democratic Philadelphia. Brady ran unopposed in 2006 and has generally received over 80% of the vote in his campaigns. CQ Politics had forecast the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bob Brady (incumbent) 242,799 90.76
Republican Mike Muhammad 24,714 9.24
Total votes 267,513 100.00
Democratic hold

District 2 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district

Seven term incumbent Chaka Fattah (D), who was unsuccessful in his bid to be mayor of Philadelphia, ran without major party opposition. Liberal Republican law professor Michael Livington won the Republican primary, but dropped out of the race due to lack of funding. He was replaced by Adam Lang. This seat is contained in one of the most Democratic districts in the country, with Democrats often winning 90% of the vote. In 2006, Fattah was elected with 88.6% support and in 2008 he won with 88.9% of the vote. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Chaka Fattah (incumbent) 276,870 88.93
Republican Adam Lang 34,466 11.07
Total votes 311,336 100.00
Democratic hold

District 3 edit

2008 Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Kathy Dahlkemper Phil English
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 146,846 139,757
Percentage 51.2% 48.8%
 
County Results
Dahlkemper:      50-60%
English:      50-60%      60-70%
U.S. Representative before election

Phil English
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Kathy Dahlkemper
Democratic

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district

Seven-term Republican incumbent Phil English faced Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper (campaign website), director of the Erie Arboretum. Steven Porter, the 2006 Democratic nominee, is running as an independent. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.

English was tested in 2008. He represented a politically balanced Erie-based district that gave George W. Bush 53% of the vote. Also, in 2006, he received just 54% of the vote against an under-funded candidate with no political experience. He has, however, been able to remain a level of popularity due to a moderate voting record and close ties to organized labor.

The DCCC recruited Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust as its top choice to run against English. Dahlkemper, attorney Tom Meyers, and religious nonprofit program coordinator Mike Waltner also declared for the Democratic primary.[2] Dahlkemper proved better at mobilizing support than Foust, the original front runner, and won the Democratic nomination with 45% of the vote.

2008 Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Kathy Dahlkemper 146,846 51.24
Republican Phil English (incumbent) 139,757 48.76
Total votes 286,603 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

District 4 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district

Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire again faced Republican Melissa Hart. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.

In 2006, Altmire defeated incumbent Hart in a 52% to 48% upset. Hart had won 63% of the vote in 2004, when George W. Bush carried this suburban Pittsburgh district with 53%. In 2006, Pennsylvania was perhaps the most disastrous state for incumbent GOP House members, who lost four seats here. Hart ran unopposed for the Republican nomination in 2008 and attempted to use her public service credentials to regain her seat. She previously gained a reputation for appealing to moderate voters despite a conservative track record. She again lost to Altmire, this time by a wider margin than two years prior, with a 56–44% vote.

Altmire maintained close ties with organized labor, possessed experience with the health care issues that are important in a region with an older population, and was supported by the NRA.[3]

2008 Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jason Altmire (incumbent) 186,536 55.86
Republican Melissa Hart 147,411 44.14
Total votes 333,947 100.00
Democratic hold

District 5 edit

2008 Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Glenn "G.T." Thompson Mark McCracken
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 155,513 112,509
Percentage 56.7% 41.0%
 
County Results
Thompson:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
McCracken:      40-50%
U.S. Representative before election

John E. Peterson
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Glenn "G.T." Thompson
Republican

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district

Democrat Mark McCracken, Clearfield County commissioner is running against Republican and Centre County GOP chair Glenn "G.T." Thompson in this open seat election. James Fryman represented the Libertarian Party. CQ Politics forecasted this largely rural district as 'Safe Republican'.

Republican John Peterson announced his intention to retire on January 3, 2007, paving the way for a contentious open seat election. Nine Republicans were in the race for the nomination. Four men emerged as top tier candidates: Thompson, hotel developer Matt Shaner, financial consultant Derek Walker, and former Woodland Township supervisor Jeff Strohmann. Also on the Republican ballot were mortgage broker John Kupa, Clarion mayor John Stroup, Elk County coroner Lou Radkowski, former Centre County commissioner Chris Exarchos, and minister Keith Richardson.[4] Thompson won this hard-fought 9-way primary with just 19% of the vote, in large part due to the late endorsement of Peterson who got involved in the primary campaign 10 days prior to election day. Walker and Shaner proved to be superior fundraisers and aired numerous television and radio commercials to counter Peterson's endorsement of Thompson. The Republican primary included many personal attacks, with Shaner targeting Walker as being political incompetent and Walker referring to a DUI incident involving Shaner. Walker and Thompson were very close in the polls on Election Day, but Thompson received a late boost because of his political track record in Centre County, the district's population center.

McCracken, Lock Haven mayor Richard Vilello, and Bill Cahir, a journalist and Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War, battled for the Democratic nomination.[4] McCracken won 40% in a hard-fought Democratic race that received much less attention.

Despite presenting an open seat opportunity, this race was always viewed as safe for the Republicans, who have generally won over 65% in this district. Prior to 2006, Peterson had previously run in three straight elections without Democratic opposition.

2008 Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Glenn Thompson 155,513 56.72
Democratic Mark McCracken 112,509 41.04
Libertarian James Fryman 6,155 2.24
Total votes 274,177 100.00
Republican hold

District 6 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district

Three term Republican Jim Gerlach faced Democrat Bob Roggio (campaign website), a retired businessman from Charlestown who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination both of his opponents dropped out of the race.[5] CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Republican Favored'.

Gerlach has become used to winning close elections, having survived threats from governor's assistant (and son of the former US Senator) Dan Wofford and attorney Lois Murphy in 2004 and 2006 with approximately 51% each year. The district is a classic swing district that went to John Kerry with 51% in 2004. However, Roggio did not have the name recognition nor the funding that Murphy had when waging her campaign, which made his candidacy more difficult than past challengers.

However, due to the tough environment in 2008 for Republicans, and the fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans this year for the first time in this district, the race was close.[6] In addition, Gerlach has had some trouble shaking a connection to ousted Republican leader Tom Delay, who provided contributions to Gerlach through his PAC.

However, Gerlach has a relatively moderate voting record and is seen as a tough campaigner who is knowledgeable in the suburban issues that are important in his district.

2008 Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jim Gerlach (incumbent) 179,423 52.10
Democratic Bob Roggio 164,952 47.90
Total votes 344,375 100.00
Republican hold

District 7 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district

Incumbent Democratic Joe Sestak defeated Republican nominee Wendell Craig Williams, winning 59.6% of the vote.[7] In 2006 Sestak defeated incumbent Curt Weldon, who was being investigated for misuse of campaign funds, by 56% to 44%. Sestak used his military credentials as a retired vice admiral to present himself as a strong leader and as an ethical alternative to a Republican Party that has faced scandal within his district. Because of his moderate voting record, reputation as a tireless worker, and military background, Sestak was expected to have a large advantage over any Republican opponent in 2008. The NRCC initially had trouble finding any top-tier candidates, and eventually settled on Iraq War veteran and attorney Craig Williams.

2008 Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Joe Sestak (incumbent) 209,955 59.59
Republican Wendell Craig Williams 142,362 40.41
Total votes 352,317 100.00
Democratic hold

District 8 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district

Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy, an Iraq War veteran, won against Republican nominee Tom Manion, a businessman and retired Marine, and Independent Tom Lingenfelter. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Democrat Favored'.

Murphy narrowly won in 2006, when he unseated one-term Republican Mike Fitzpatrick by 1,518 votes. Manion, a retired Marine Colonel and executive at Johnson and Johnson, ran unopposed in the Republican primary in April. Significant national attention has been drawn to the race because of the Iraq War connections of both candidates. Murphy is a veteran and a strong critic of the war, while Manion, whose son 1stLt Travis Manion was killed in Iraq in April 2007, supports the war.

This district contains Bucks County and a small part of Northern Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Once considered a safe Republican district, it has recently been trending more Democratic. Registered Democrats narrowly outnumber registered Republicans as of August 2008, due in large part to voter registration drives connected with the Democratic presidential primary in Pennsylvania.

2008 Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Patrick Murphy (incumbent) 197,869 56.77
Republican Tom Manion 145,103 41.63
Independent Tom Lingenfelter 5,543 1.59
Total votes 348,515 100.00
Democratic hold

District 9 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district

Three term Bill Shuster (R) won re-election with 64% of the vote. Shuster won 60.3% of the vote in 2006; George W. Bush carried the district with over 67% in 2004. Shuster also held the advantage of name recognition, as he is the son of a powerful congressman. The district is also the most Republican in Pennsylvania, further giving Shuster an advantage. His Democratic opponent was again 2006 candidate educator Tony Barr (). CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bill Shuster (incumbent) 174,951 63.92
Democratic Tony Barr 98,735 36.08
Total votes 273,686 100.00
Republican hold

District 10 edit

2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election
 
← 2006
2010 →
     
Nominee Chris Carney Chris Hackett
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 160,837 124,681
Percentage 56.3% 43.7%
 
County Results
Carney:      50-60%     60-70%
Hackett:      50-60%
U.S. Representative before election

Chris Carney
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Chris Carney
Democratic

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district

Democratic incumbent Chris Carney defeated Republican staffing company executive Chris Hackett by a margin of 56% to 44%. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic' prior to Carney's victory. The win on the part of the Democratic congressman coincided with John McCain winning 54 percent of the vote in the district as opposed to Democrat Barack Obama's 46 percent.

Carney was initially thought to have been facing a difficult reelection bid in this heavily Republican district, which he won after widely publicized allegations of incumbent Republican Don Sherwood's extramarital affair with and alleged abuse of Cynthia Ore. Carney defeated Sherwood 53% to 47%. However, President George W. Bush won the 10th District 60% to 40% in 2004.

Two Republicans fought for the nomination: staffing company executive Chris Hackett, who gained the endorsement of conservative organizations and manufacturing executive Dan Meuser, who has credibility as a disabled rights activist. While battling for the nomination, Meuser accused Hackett of wavering on his pro-life stance, while Hackett painted Meuser as associated with unpopular politicians. Hackett won a tough primary with 52% of the vote, which drained many of his resources for the general election.

Carney, throughout the general election, was the favorite to retain his seat but the vote was expected to be somewhat close. The traditionally Republican leanings of the district were advantageous for Hackett, but Pennsylvania as a whole has been trending Democratic recently, having voted for the Democratic nominee for president in every election since 1992. The state ultimately backed Obama that year by a ten-point margin.[citation needed] Carney also has a strong military background and used his membership in the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats that promote compromise, as a boost.

Carney easily beat Hackett by a twelve-point margin and was aided by a stronger than anticipated vote for the national Democratic presidential ticket in the district. Whereas John Kerry and John Edwards in 2004 received merely 40 percent of the vote in the 10th district, Barack Obama and Joe Biden received 46 percent of the vote.

2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Chris Carney (incumbent) 160,837 56.33
Republican Chris Hackett 124,681 43.67
Total votes 285,518 100.00
Democratic hold

District 11 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district

Twelve term Democratic incumbent Paul Kanjorski (D) was challenged by Republican Lou Barletta, the mayor of Hazleton. CQ Politics forecast the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.

Kanjorksi generally won reelection easily, considering the Democratic leanings of the district. John Kerry won this district in 2004 with 52% and Kanjorski was reelected with 72.5% of the vote in 2006. However, he faced one of the toughest elections of his career against Barletta, a figure who made the national spotlight for the anti-illegal immigration policies he promoted as mayor. He was unopposed for the Republican nomination and has national name recognition for his stance which may have helped or hurt him with different voting groups in the election. Kanjorksi came under scrutiny for several comments he has made during the recent Congress, including his quote that the Democrats stretched the facts on the Iraq War to provide a bigger advantage during the 2006 election cycle.

2008 Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul Kanjorski (incumbent) 146,379 51.63
Republican Lou Barletta 137,151 48.37
Total votes 283,530 100.00
Democratic hold

District 12 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district

Sixteen term incumbent John Murtha (D) ran against Retired Lieutenant Colonel William Russell (R), who won the Republican nomination after staging a successful write-in campaign.[8] CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democrat,' but the race tightened after Murtha made well-publicized comments referring to Western Pennsylvania as a "racist" and "redneck" area.[9] Murtha's comments were spoofed in the October 25, 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live in a segment entitled "Sen. Biden and Rep. Murtha Say Crazy Things in Johnstown, Pa."[10] By October, Russell out-raised and outspent Murtha for a whole week.[11] The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index score of R+1.

2008 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Murtha (incumbent) 155,268 57.85
Republican William Russell 113,120 42.15
Total votes 268,388 100.00
Democratic hold

District 13 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district

While two term Democrat Allyson Schwartz is a target for Republicans in the 2008 race, her seat is expected to be relatively safe. She did not face a serious challenge in 2006 against Raj Bhakta in this Democratic-leaning district. 2007 Philadelphia mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger and state Senator Stewart Greenleaf pondered running on the Republican ticket, but did not enter the race. Attorney Marina Kats ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.[12] Kats is underfunded and without name recognition, while running against and incumbent with a deep warchest of funds, which presents a crucial advantage in an expensive media market. This seat was considered to be noncompetitive. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Allyson Schwartz (incumbent) 196,868 62.79
Republican Marina Kats 108,271 34.53
Constitution John McDermott 8,374 2.67
Total votes 313,513 100.00
Democratic hold

District 14 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district

Seven term incumbent Mike Doyle (D) will run for another term. For the fourth straight election, Doyle will not face a Republican opponent, although Green Party candidate, professor Titus North, will be on the ballot for the second straight year. Doyle represents a district that gave John Kerry 69% of the vote in 2004 and his seat is considered to be noncompetitive. The congressman presents a strongly pro-union image, while avoiding hot button social issues, which allows him to remain popular and noncontroversial. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mike Doyle (incumbent) 242,326 91.26
Green Titus North 23,214 8.74
Total votes 265,540 100.00
Democratic hold

District 15 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district

Republican incumbent Charlie Dent was challenged by Allentown Democratic Party Chair Sam Bennett. CQ Politics forecast the race as 'Republican Favored'.

Although Dent was targeted by the Democrats for a tough race in 2006, his seat was ultimately relatively safe in 2008. In 2004, he won only 53% of the vote against a political newcomer with no political experience, but did significantly better in his bid for a second term. His district covers the Lehigh Valley region and is politically marginal, narrowly going to John Kerry with 50% of the vote in 2004.

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, and state Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney declined to run for the Democratic nomination, leaving Sam Bennett as the sole member of her party's ticket. Bennett was not considered to be as strong of a candidate as Democrats would like, which helped this seat fall out of contention. Although Democrats have an advantage in registration in the district and that Pennsylvania as a whole is trending Democratic, Dent projects a moderate image. His relationship with popular liberal then-Republican Arlen Specter also aids Dent.

2008 Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charlie Dent (incumbent) 181,433 58.57
Democratic Sam Bennett 128,333 41.43
Total votes 309,766 100.00
Republican hold

District 16 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district

Six-term Republican incumbent Joe Pitts is running for reelection against Democratic nominee Bruce Slater (campaign website), a U.S. Navy veteran, historic restoration contractor, democratic committee person and community activist who ran unopposed in the primary. Green Party candidate John Murphy, a management consultant and Constitution Party candidate Dan Frank (campaign website) will also be on the ballot. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.

Pitts had the worst showing of his congressional career in 2008, winning 55.8% of the vote. However, he represents a historically conservative district which gave 61% of its votes to George W. Bush in 2004, and has not attracted a top tier Democratic challenger.

2008 Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Joe Pitts (incumbent) 170,329 55.82
Democratic Bruce Slater 120,193 39.39
Green John Murphy 11,768 3.86
Constitution Dan Frank 2,877 0.94
Total votes 305,167 100.00
Republican hold

District 17 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district

Eight term incumbent Tim Holden (D) is running against Toni Gilhooley (R), a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democrat'.

The 17th congressional district gave George W. Bush 58% of its votes and has historically been dominated by Republicans. However, Holden upset the district's 10-term incumbent, George Gekas, in 2002 after being drawn into the district (he'd previously represented a Reading-based district) and hasn't faced substantive opposition since then. He is a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition and opposes abortion and gun control. Gilhooley was a conservative candidate. Holden has used his overwhelming support in Schuylkill County, his home county, to make up for past deficits in areas such as Lebanon County and Dauphin County.

2008 Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tim Holden (incumbent) 192,699 63.68
Republican Toni Gilhooley 109,909 36.32
Total votes 302,608 100.00
Democratic hold

District 18 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district

Three term Republican Tim Murphy was challenged by Democrat Steve O'Donnell, a Monroeville health care executive. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Republican Favored'.

Murphy was reelected in 2006 with 58% of the vote against a little-known Democrat. He represents a suburban Pittsburgh district that George W. Bush won with 54% of the vote but that has a strong Democratic history. His campaigning skills have yet to be tested, with relatively easy wins in his three elections thus far, and he could be vulnerable.

The DCCC tried to persuade Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato to run, but he showed no interest in the race. Business consultant Beth Hafer, whose mother Barbara Hafer is a longtime state official, was then expected to be the front runner for the Democratic nomination. Insurance executive Brien Wall and Monroeville health care executive Steve O'Donnell also ran. O'Donnell won an upset victory with 45% of the vote in a somewhat under the radar election. Although O'Donnell should make the race competitive, Murphy has a significant advantage because of name recognition and a moderate image.

2008 Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tim Murphy (incumbent) 213,349 64.07
Democratic Steve O'Donnell 119,661 35.93
Total votes 333,010 100.00
Republican hold

District 19 edit

 
See also: Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district

Four term incumbent Todd Russell Platts (R) will run for another term. His Democratic opponent will be 2006 candidate and college professor Phil Avillo (campaign website), who was unopposed in the party primary. Platts represents a highly conservative district, which gave 64% of the vote to George W. Bush in 2004. Avillo, meanwhile, has raised very little money for his campaign. This race is expected to be noncompetitive. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.

2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Todd Platts (incumbent) 218,862 66.65
Democratic Phil Avillo Jr. 109,533 33.35
Total votes 328,395 100.00
Republican hold

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Federal Elections 2008 – Senate and House" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Washington, D.C. July 2009.
  2. ^ "The Herald, Sharon, Pa. - Crowded field eyes 3rd Congressional District seat". from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved January 15, 2008.
  3. ^ "NRA endorses Altmire in race against Hart". archive.triblive.com. July 25, 2008. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Lehigh Valley News, Easton News, Nazareth News, Bethlehem News, Phillipsburg News, Allentown News plus Lehigh Valley Sports, Weather, Entertainment & Events - lehighvalleylive..."
  5. ^ "Pennsylvania: Democratic Businessman Has Gerlach to Himself". Roll Call. February 26, 2008. from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  6. ^ Infield, Tom (June 23, 2008). "U.S. Rep. Gerlach in unusual position". The Inquirer. from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  7. ^ . Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Archived from the original on May 9, 2011.
  8. ^ . Associated Press. February 27, 2008. Archived from the original on October 26, 2008.
  9. ^ "Elections". Fox News. from the original on October 26, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
  10. ^ "Top of the Ticket". Los Angeles Times. October 26, 2008. from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
  11. ^ "Russell raising, spending more money than Murtha » Local News » The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA". from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved October 26, 2008.
  12. ^ . The Bulletin. February 27, 2008. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2008.

External links edit

  • Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation from the Pennsylvania Department of State
    • U.S. Congress candidates for Pennsylvania at Project Vote Smart
    • from 2008 Race Tracker
    • Campaign contributions for Pennsylvania congressional races from OpenSecrets
    • Candidates for Elections in Pennsylvania

    April 10, 2024
    2008, united, states, house, representatives, elections, pennsylvania, 2008, congressional, elections, pennsylvania, held, november, 2008, determine, will, represent, state, pennsylvania, united, states, house, representatives, pennsylvania, seats, house, appo. The 2008 congressional elections in Pennsylvania was held on November 4 2008 to determine who will represent the state of Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives Pennsylvania has 19 seats in the House apportioned according to the 2000 United States census Representatives are elected for two year terms those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4 2009 until January 3 2011 The election coincides with the 2008 U S presidential election 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania 2006 November 4 2008 2008 11 04 2010 All 19 Pennsylvania seats to the United States House of Representatives Majority party Minority party Party Democratic RepublicanLast election 11 8Seats won 12 7Seat change 1 1Popular vote 3 209 168 2 520 805Percentage 55 45 43 55 Swing 0 12 0 37 Congressional District ResultsCounty resultsDemocratic 50 60 60 70 70 80 80 90 gt 90 Republican 50 60 60 70 70 80 District 3 was the only seat which changed party from Republican to Democratic although CQ Politics had forecasted districts 3 4 6 8 10 11 15 and 18 to be at some risk for the incumbent party Contents 1 Match up summary 2 District 1 3 District 2 4 District 3 5 District 4 6 District 5 7 District 6 8 District 7 9 District 8 10 District 9 11 District 10 12 District 11 13 District 12 14 District 13 15 District 14 16 District 15 17 District 16 18 District 17 19 District 18 20 District 19 21 References 22 External linksMatch up summary editDistrict Democratic Republican Others Total ResultVotes Votes Votes Votes District 1 242 799 90 76 24 714 9 24 0 0 00 267 513 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 2 276 870 88 93 34 466 11 07 0 0 00 311 336 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 3 146 846 51 24 139 757 48 76 0 0 00 286 603 100 00 Democratic gainDistrict 4 186 536 55 86 147 411 44 14 0 0 00 333 947 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 5 112 509 41 04 155 513 56 72 6 155 2 24 274 177 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 6 164 952 47 90 179 423 52 10 0 0 00 344 375 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 7 209 955 59 59 142 362 40 41 0 0 00 352 317 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 8 197 869 56 77 145 103 41 63 5 543 1 59 348 515 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 9 98 735 36 08 174 951 63 92 0 0 00 273 686 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 10 160 837 56 33 124 681 43 67 0 0 00 285 518 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 11 146 379 51 63 137 151 48 37 0 0 00 283 530 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 12 155 268 57 85 113 120 42 15 0 0 00 268 388 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 13 196 868 62 79 108 271 34 53 8 374 2 67 313 513 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 14 242 326 91 26 0 0 00 23 214 8 74 265 540 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 15 128 333 41 43 181 433 58 57 0 0 00 309 766 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 16 120 193 39 39 170 329 55 82 14 645 4 80 305 167 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 17 192 699 63 68 109 909 36 32 0 0 00 302 608 100 00 Democratic holdDistrict 18 119 661 35 93 213 349 64 07 0 0 00 333 010 100 00 Republican holdDistrict 19 109 533 33 35 218 862 66 65 0 0 00 328 395 100 00 Republican holdTotal 3 209 168 55 45 2 520 805 43 55 57 931 1 00 5 787 904 100 00 Popular voteDemocratic 55 57 Republican 43 55 Other 1 00 House seatsDemocratic 63 16 Republican 36 84 District 1 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 1st congressional district Five term incumbent Bob Brady D ran for another term after losing his bid to be mayor of Philadelphia He was challenged by businessman Mike Muhammad R This race was viewed as noncompetitive as it took place in heavily Democratic Philadelphia Brady ran unopposed in 2006 and has generally received over 80 of the vote in his campaigns CQ Politics had forecast the race as Safe Democrat 2008 Pennsylvania s 1st congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Bob Brady incumbent 242 799 90 76Republican Mike Muhammad 24 714 9 24Total votes 267 513 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 2 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 2nd congressional district Seven term incumbent Chaka Fattah D who was unsuccessful in his bid to be mayor of Philadelphia ran without major party opposition Liberal Republican law professor Michael Livington won the Republican primary but dropped out of the race due to lack of funding He was replaced by Adam Lang This seat is contained in one of the most Democratic districts in the country with Democrats often winning 90 of the vote In 2006 Fattah was elected with 88 6 support and in 2008 he won with 88 9 of the vote CQ Politics forecasted the race as Safe Democrat 2008 Pennsylvania s 2nd congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Chaka Fattah incumbent 276 870 88 93Republican Adam Lang 34 466 11 07Total votes 311 336 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 3 edit2008 Pennsylvania s 3rd congressional district election nbsp 20062010 nbsp nbsp Nominee Kathy Dahlkemper Phil EnglishParty Democratic RepublicanPopular vote 146 846 139 757Percentage 51 2 48 8 nbsp County ResultsDahlkemper 50 60 English 50 60 60 70 U S Representative before electionPhil EnglishRepublican Elected U S Representative Kathy DahlkemperDemocratic nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 3rd congressional district Seven term Republican incumbent Phil English faced Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper campaign website director of the Erie Arboretum Steven Porter the 2006 Democratic nominee is running as an independent CQ Politics forecasts the race as No Clear Favorite English was tested in 2008 He represented a politically balanced Erie based district that gave George W Bush 53 of the vote Also in 2006 he received just 54 of the vote against an under funded candidate with no political experience He has however been able to remain a level of popularity due to a moderate voting record and close ties to organized labor The DCCC recruited Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust as its top choice to run against English Dahlkemper attorney Tom Meyers and religious nonprofit program coordinator Mike Waltner also declared for the Democratic primary 2 Dahlkemper proved better at mobilizing support than Foust the original front runner and won the Democratic nomination with 45 of the vote 2008 Pennsylvania s 3rd congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Kathy Dahlkemper 146 846 51 24Republican Phil English incumbent 139 757 48 76Total votes 286 603 100 00Democratic gain from RepublicanRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets English R i vs Dahlkemper D graph of collected poll results from Pollster comDistrict 4 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 4th congressional district Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire again faced Republican Melissa Hart CQ Politics forecasted the race as Leans Democratic In 2006 Altmire defeated incumbent Hart in a 52 to 48 upset Hart had won 63 of the vote in 2004 when George W Bush carried this suburban Pittsburgh district with 53 In 2006 Pennsylvania was perhaps the most disastrous state for incumbent GOP House members who lost four seats here Hart ran unopposed for the Republican nomination in 2008 and attempted to use her public service credentials to regain her seat She previously gained a reputation for appealing to moderate voters despite a conservative track record She again lost to Altmire this time by a wider margin than two years prior with a 56 44 vote Altmire maintained close ties with organized labor possessed experience with the health care issues that are important in a region with an older population and was supported by the NRA 3 2008 Pennsylvania s 4th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Jason Altmire incumbent 186 536 55 86Republican Melissa Hart 147 411 44 14Total votes 333 947 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 5 edit2008 Pennsylvania s 5th congressional district election nbsp 20062010 nbsp nbsp Nominee Glenn G T Thompson Mark McCrackenParty Republican DemocraticPopular vote 155 513 112 509Percentage 56 7 41 0 nbsp County Results Thompson 50 60 60 70 70 80 McCracken 40 50 U S Representative before electionJohn E PetersonRepublican Elected U S Representative Glenn G T ThompsonRepublican nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 5th congressional district Democrat Mark McCracken Clearfield County commissioner is running against Republican and Centre County GOP chair Glenn G T Thompson in this open seat election James Fryman represented the Libertarian Party CQ Politics forecasted this largely rural district as Safe Republican Republican John Peterson announced his intention to retire on January 3 2007 paving the way for a contentious open seat election Nine Republicans were in the race for the nomination Four men emerged as top tier candidates Thompson hotel developer Matt Shaner financial consultant Derek Walker and former Woodland Township supervisor Jeff Strohmann Also on the Republican ballot were mortgage broker John Kupa Clarion mayor John Stroup Elk County coroner Lou Radkowski former Centre County commissioner Chris Exarchos and minister Keith Richardson 4 Thompson won this hard fought 9 way primary with just 19 of the vote in large part due to the late endorsement of Peterson who got involved in the primary campaign 10 days prior to election day Walker and Shaner proved to be superior fundraisers and aired numerous television and radio commercials to counter Peterson s endorsement of Thompson The Republican primary included many personal attacks with Shaner targeting Walker as being political incompetent and Walker referring to a DUI incident involving Shaner Walker and Thompson were very close in the polls on Election Day but Thompson received a late boost because of his political track record in Centre County the district s population center McCracken Lock Haven mayor Richard Vilello and Bill Cahir a journalist and Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War battled for the Democratic nomination 4 McCracken won 40 in a hard fought Democratic race that received much less attention Despite presenting an open seat opportunity this race was always viewed as safe for the Republicans who have generally won over 65 in this district Prior to 2006 Peterson had previously run in three straight elections without Democratic opposition 2008 Pennsylvania s 5th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Glenn Thompson 155 513 56 72Democratic Mark McCracken 112 509 41 04Libertarian James Fryman 6 155 2 24Total votes 274 177 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 6 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 6th congressional district Three term Republican Jim Gerlach faced Democrat Bob Roggio campaign website a retired businessman from Charlestown who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination both of his opponents dropped out of the race 5 CQ Politics forecasts the race as Republican Favored Gerlach has become used to winning close elections having survived threats from governor s assistant and son of the former US Senator Dan Wofford and attorney Lois Murphy in 2004 and 2006 with approximately 51 each year The district is a classic swing district that went to John Kerry with 51 in 2004 However Roggio did not have the name recognition nor the funding that Murphy had when waging her campaign which made his candidacy more difficult than past challengers However due to the tough environment in 2008 for Republicans and the fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans this year for the first time in this district the race was close 6 In addition Gerlach has had some trouble shaking a connection to ousted Republican leader Tom Delay who provided contributions to Gerlach through his PAC However Gerlach has a relatively moderate voting record and is seen as a tough campaigner who is knowledgeable in the suburban issues that are important in his district 2008 Pennsylvania s 6th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Jim Gerlach incumbent 179 423 52 10Democratic Bob Roggio 164 952 47 90Total votes 344 375 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Gerlach R i vs Roggio D graph of collected poll results from Pollster comDistrict 7 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 7th congressional district Incumbent Democratic Joe Sestak defeated Republican nominee Wendell Craig Williams winning 59 6 of the vote 7 In 2006 Sestak defeated incumbent Curt Weldon who was being investigated for misuse of campaign funds by 56 to 44 Sestak used his military credentials as a retired vice admiral to present himself as a strong leader and as an ethical alternative to a Republican Party that has faced scandal within his district Because of his moderate voting record reputation as a tireless worker and military background Sestak was expected to have a large advantage over any Republican opponent in 2008 The NRCC initially had trouble finding any top tier candidates and eventually settled on Iraq War veteran and attorney Craig Williams 2008 Pennsylvania s 7th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Joe Sestak incumbent 209 955 59 59Republican Wendell Craig Williams 142 362 40 41Total votes 352 317 100 00Democratic holdCampaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 8 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 8th congressional district Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy an Iraq War veteran won against Republican nominee Tom Manion a businessman and retired Marine and Independent Tom Lingenfelter CQ Politics forecasts the race as Democrat Favored Murphy narrowly won in 2006 when he unseated one term Republican Mike Fitzpatrick by 1 518 votes Manion a retired Marine Colonel and executive at Johnson and Johnson ran unopposed in the Republican primary in April Significant national attention has been drawn to the race because of the Iraq War connections of both candidates Murphy is a veteran and a strong critic of the war while Manion whose son 1stLt Travis Manion was killed in Iraq in April 2007 supports the war This district contains Bucks County and a small part of Northern Philadelphia and Montgomery County Once considered a safe Republican district it has recently been trending more Democratic Registered Democrats narrowly outnumber registered Republicans as of August 2008 due in large part to voter registration drives connected with the Democratic presidential primary in Pennsylvania 2008 Pennsylvania s 8th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Patrick Murphy incumbent 197 869 56 77Republican Tom Manion 145 103 41 63Independent Tom Lingenfelter 5 543 1 59Total votes 348 515 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 9 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 9th congressional district Three term Bill Shuster R won re election with 64 of the vote Shuster won 60 3 of the vote in 2006 George W Bush carried the district with over 67 in 2004 Shuster also held the advantage of name recognition as he is the son of a powerful congressman The district is also the most Republican in Pennsylvania further giving Shuster an advantage His Democratic opponent was again 2006 candidate educator Tony Barr campaign website CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Republican 2008 Pennsylvania s 9th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Bill Shuster incumbent 174 951 63 92Democratic Tony Barr 98 735 36 08Total votes 273 686 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 10 edit2008 Pennsylvania s 10th congressional district election nbsp 20062010 nbsp nbsp Nominee Chris Carney Chris HackettParty Democratic RepublicanPopular vote 160 837 124 681Percentage 56 3 43 7 nbsp County Results Carney 50 60 60 70 Hackett 50 60 U S Representative before electionChris CarneyDemocratic Elected U S Representative Chris CarneyDemocratic nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 10th congressional district Democratic incumbent Chris Carney defeated Republican staffing company executive Chris Hackett by a margin of 56 to 44 CQ Politics forecasted the race as Leans Democratic prior to Carney s victory The win on the part of the Democratic congressman coincided with John McCain winning 54 percent of the vote in the district as opposed to Democrat Barack Obama s 46 percent Carney was initially thought to have been facing a difficult reelection bid in this heavily Republican district which he won after widely publicized allegations of incumbent Republican Don Sherwood s extramarital affair with and alleged abuse of Cynthia Ore Carney defeated Sherwood 53 to 47 However President George W Bush won the 10th District 60 to 40 in 2004 Two Republicans fought for the nomination staffing company executive Chris Hackett who gained the endorsement of conservative organizations and manufacturing executive Dan Meuser who has credibility as a disabled rights activist While battling for the nomination Meuser accused Hackett of wavering on his pro life stance while Hackett painted Meuser as associated with unpopular politicians Hackett won a tough primary with 52 of the vote which drained many of his resources for the general election Carney throughout the general election was the favorite to retain his seat but the vote was expected to be somewhat close The traditionally Republican leanings of the district were advantageous for Hackett but Pennsylvania as a whole has been trending Democratic recently having voted for the Democratic nominee for president in every election since 1992 The state ultimately backed Obama that year by a ten point margin citation needed Carney also has a strong military background and used his membership in the Blue Dog Coalition a group of moderate Democrats that promote compromise as a boost Carney easily beat Hackett by a twelve point margin and was aided by a stronger than anticipated vote for the national Democratic presidential ticket in the district Whereas John Kerry and John Edwards in 2004 received merely 40 percent of the vote in the 10th district Barack Obama and Joe Biden received 46 percent of the vote 2008 Pennsylvania s 10th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Chris Carney incumbent 160 837 56 33Republican Chris Hackett 124 681 43 67Total votes 285 518 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Hackett R vs Carney D i graph of collected poll results from Pollster comDistrict 11 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 11th congressional district Twelve term Democratic incumbent Paul Kanjorski D was challenged by Republican Lou Barletta the mayor of Hazleton CQ Politics forecast the race as No Clear Favorite Kanjorksi generally won reelection easily considering the Democratic leanings of the district John Kerry won this district in 2004 with 52 and Kanjorski was reelected with 72 5 of the vote in 2006 However he faced one of the toughest elections of his career against Barletta a figure who made the national spotlight for the anti illegal immigration policies he promoted as mayor He was unopposed for the Republican nomination and has national name recognition for his stance which may have helped or hurt him with different voting groups in the election Kanjorksi came under scrutiny for several comments he has made during the recent Congress including his quote that the Democrats stretched the facts on the Iraq War to provide a bigger advantage during the 2006 election cycle 2008 Pennsylvania s 11th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Paul Kanjorski incumbent 146 379 51 63Republican Lou Barletta 137 151 48 37Total votes 283 530 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Barletta R vs Kanjorski D i graph of collected poll results from Pollster comDistrict 12 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 12th congressional district Sixteen term incumbent John Murtha D ran against Retired Lieutenant Colonel William Russell R who won the Republican nomination after staging a successful write in campaign 8 CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Democrat but the race tightened after Murtha made well publicized comments referring to Western Pennsylvania as a racist and redneck area 9 Murtha s comments were spoofed in the October 25 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live in a segment entitled Sen Biden and Rep Murtha Say Crazy Things in Johnstown Pa 10 By October Russell out raised and outspent Murtha for a whole week 11 The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index score of R 1 2008 Pennsylvania s 12th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic John Murtha incumbent 155 268 57 85Republican William Russell 113 120 42 15Total votes 268 388 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 13 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 13th congressional district While two term Democrat Allyson Schwartz is a target for Republicans in the 2008 race her seat is expected to be relatively safe She did not face a serious challenge in 2006 against Raj Bhakta in this Democratic leaning district 2007 Philadelphia mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger and state Senator Stewart Greenleaf pondered running on the Republican ticket but did not enter the race Attorney Marina Kats ran unopposed for the Republican nomination 12 Kats is underfunded and without name recognition while running against and incumbent with a deep warchest of funds which presents a crucial advantage in an expensive media market This seat was considered to be noncompetitive CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Democrat 2008 Pennsylvania s 13th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Allyson Schwartz incumbent 196 868 62 79Republican Marina Kats 108 271 34 53Constitution John McDermott 8 374 2 67Total votes 313 513 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 14 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 14th congressional district Seven term incumbent Mike Doyle D will run for another term For the fourth straight election Doyle will not face a Republican opponent although Green Party candidate professor Titus North will be on the ballot for the second straight year Doyle represents a district that gave John Kerry 69 of the vote in 2004 and his seat is considered to be noncompetitive The congressman presents a strongly pro union image while avoiding hot button social issues which allows him to remain popular and noncontroversial CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Democrat 2008 Pennsylvania s 14th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Mike Doyle incumbent 242 326 91 26Green Titus North 23 214 8 74Total votes 265 540 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 15 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 15th congressional district Republican incumbent Charlie Dent was challenged by Allentown Democratic Party Chair Sam Bennett CQ Politics forecast the race as Republican Favored Although Dent was targeted by the Democrats for a tough race in 2006 his seat was ultimately relatively safe in 2008 In 2004 he won only 53 of the vote against a political newcomer with no political experience but did significantly better in his bid for a second term His district covers the Lehigh Valley region and is politically marginal narrowly going to John Kerry with 50 of the vote in 2004 Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham and state Democratic Party Chairman T J Rooney declined to run for the Democratic nomination leaving Sam Bennett as the sole member of her party s ticket Bennett was not considered to be as strong of a candidate as Democrats would like which helped this seat fall out of contention Although Democrats have an advantage in registration in the district and that Pennsylvania as a whole is trending Democratic Dent projects a moderate image His relationship with popular liberal then Republican Arlen Specter also aids Dent 2008 Pennsylvania s 15th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Charlie Dent incumbent 181 433 58 57Democratic Sam Bennett 128 333 41 43Total votes 309 766 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 16 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 16th congressional district Six term Republican incumbent Joe Pitts is running for reelection against Democratic nominee Bruce Slater campaign website a U S Navy veteran historic restoration contractor democratic committee person and community activist who ran unopposed in the primary Green Party candidate John Murphy a management consultant and Constitution Party candidate Dan Frank campaign website will also be on the ballot CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Republican Pitts had the worst showing of his congressional career in 2008 winning 55 8 of the vote However he represents a historically conservative district which gave 61 of its votes to George W Bush in 2004 and has not attracted a top tier Democratic challenger 2008 Pennsylvania s 16th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Joe Pitts incumbent 170 329 55 82Democratic Bruce Slater 120 193 39 39Green John Murphy 11 768 3 86Constitution Dan Frank 2 877 0 94Total votes 305 167 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 17 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 17th congressional district Eight term incumbent Tim Holden D is running against Toni Gilhooley R a retired Pennsylvania state trooper CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Democrat The 17th congressional district gave George W Bush 58 of its votes and has historically been dominated by Republicans However Holden upset the district s 10 term incumbent George Gekas in 2002 after being drawn into the district he d previously represented a Reading based district and hasn t faced substantive opposition since then He is a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition and opposes abortion and gun control Gilhooley was a conservative candidate Holden has used his overwhelming support in Schuylkill County his home county to make up for past deficits in areas such as Lebanon County and Dauphin County 2008 Pennsylvania s 17th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Democratic Tim Holden incumbent 192 699 63 68Republican Toni Gilhooley 109 909 36 32Total votes 302 608 100 00Democratic holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 18 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 18th congressional district Three term Republican Tim Murphy was challenged by Democrat Steve O Donnell a Monroeville health care executive CQ Politics forecasted the race as Republican Favored Murphy was reelected in 2006 with 58 of the vote against a little known Democrat He represents a suburban Pittsburgh district that George W Bush won with 54 of the vote but that has a strong Democratic history His campaigning skills have yet to be tested with relatively easy wins in his three elections thus far and he could be vulnerable The DCCC tried to persuade Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato to run but he showed no interest in the race Business consultant Beth Hafer whose mother Barbara Hafer is a longtime state official was then expected to be the front runner for the Democratic nomination Insurance executive Brien Wall and Monroeville health care executive Steve O Donnell also ran O Donnell won an upset victory with 45 of the vote in a somewhat under the radar election Although O Donnell should make the race competitive Murphy has a significant advantage because of name recognition and a moderate image 2008 Pennsylvania s 18th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Tim Murphy incumbent 213 349 64 07Democratic Steve O Donnell 119 661 35 93Total votes 333 010 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsDistrict 19 edit nbsp See also Pennsylvania s 19th congressional district Four term incumbent Todd Russell Platts R will run for another term His Democratic opponent will be 2006 candidate and college professor Phil Avillo campaign website who was unopposed in the party primary Platts represents a highly conservative district which gave 64 of the vote to George W Bush in 2004 Avillo meanwhile has raised very little money for his campaign This race is expected to be noncompetitive CQ Politics forecasts the race as Safe Republican 2008 Pennsylvania s 10th congressional district election 1 Party Candidate Votes Republican Todd Platts incumbent 218 862 66 65Democratic Phil Avillo Jr 109 533 33 35Total votes 328 395 100 00Republican holdRace ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecretsReferences edit a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Federal Elections 2008 Senate and House PDF Federal Election Commission Washington D C July 2009 The Herald Sharon Pa Crowded field eyes 3rd Congressional District seat Archived from the original on September 26 2008 Retrieved January 15 2008 NRA endorses Altmire in race against Hart archive triblive com July 25 2008 Retrieved January 15 2022 a b Lehigh Valley News Easton News Nazareth News Bethlehem News Phillipsburg News Allentown News plus Lehigh Valley Sports Weather Entertainment amp Events lehighvalleylive Pennsylvania Democratic Businessman Has Gerlach to Himself Roll Call February 26 2008 Archived from the original on April 20 2021 Retrieved January 15 2022 Infield Tom June 23 2008 U S Rep Gerlach in unusual position The Inquirer Archived from the original on January 15 2022 Retrieved December 29 2020 Sestak V Williams Commonwealth of PA Elections Information Archived from the original on May 9 2011 Murtha s GOP challenger denied primary ballot spot Associated Press February 27 2008 Archived from the original on October 26 2008 Elections Fox News Archived from the original on October 26 2008 Retrieved October 26 2008 Top of the Ticket Los Angeles Times October 26 2008 Archived from the original on October 29 2008 Retrieved October 26 2008 Russell raising spending more money than Murtha Local News The Tribune Democrat Johnstown PA Archived from the original on October 29 2008 Retrieved October 26 2008 Kats Will Take On Schwartz In Montco Congressional Race The Bulletin February 27 2008 Archived from the original on October 7 2008 Retrieved June 27 2008 External links editBureau of Commissions Elections and Legislation from the Pennsylvania Department of State Election Returns U S Congress candidates for Pennsylvania at Project Vote Smart Pennsylvania U S House Races from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributions for Pennsylvania congressional races from OpenSecrets Candidates for Elections in Pennsylvania Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania amp oldid 1208535514 District 10, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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