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Latest Dahlkemper opponent antes up $150K—before saying a word

Nothing says hello like a-hundred-fifty-grand.

An ophthalmologist from Erie is declaring his candidacy in the 3rd Congressional District Tuesday. But before even officially entering the race, Republican Tom Trevorrow has put some big money on the table. He quietly filed a statement of candidacy on Dec. 29, and on the last day of the year, he loaned his campaign a whopping $150,000, according to campaign finance data. He didn’t raise or spend another time, finishing the year with that same amount on hand.

The serious down-payment indicates a serious GOP primary on the way, with Republicans feeling better about their prospects of unseating freshman Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper, who is seen as vulnerable because of her support for health care reform in a conservative district. Businessman Paul Huber has also loaned his campaign $150,000. And car dealer Mike Kelly recently entered the race with a campaign team of seasoned party operatives already in place. Unlike in other districts, the party seems mostly happy to let this one play out unfettered.

But it’s the sudden emergence of Trevorrow that comes as a surprise. He had yet to draw even a whisper of public notice on the eve of his entrance into the race. His campaign Web site says he spent recent years living in the borough of Indiana, which resides in the 9th Congressional District—though it makes sure to mention that he “treated many patients” from the 3rd District. His wife Kathy is from Erie, and the couple apparently decided a run for Congress was in the cards after a “voluntary internship” with Senator Tom Coburn (R-Md.).

“Growing up, I was always taught the importance of working hard and living within your means, and I plan on taking that same approach to Washington,” Trevorrow says in a statement to be released Tuesday.

It remains to be seen if he’ll put more money into the race. Whoever wins the Republican primary will need to build a strong fundraising base against Dahlkemper, who had about $1 million at the end of the year.

Campaign finance reports for three other candidates—Steven Fisher, Elaine Surma and Clayton Grabb—had not been published Monday night. Republican Ed Franz reported only $2,500 in cash on hand.

February 2, 2010 at 9:00 am

--Dan Hirschhorn

Tags: Kathy Dahlkemper, Mike Kelly, PA-3, Paul Huber, Tom Trevorrow

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