15th District (Lehigh Valley) - Callahan might run against Dent

[Number9Dream]

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5mayor.6937790jun24,0,5323341.story

snip>"Democrats have tried -- and failed -- for years to persuade Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan to run for Congress. But there are signs he might be persuadable this year."

snip> "Callahan, president of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, is viewed as a proven winner with connections statewide. He has long been considered as an up-and-coming political talent in the state."

Does anybody familiar with the Lehigh Valley think that Callahan can unseat Dent?

[JPZenger]

1. Callahan will be a very strong candidate

This should be a competitive district, considering the numbers. The main thing Dent has going for him is that he has few enemies and people find him personally likeable.

Callahan has been mayor of Bethlehem, which has been undergoing a strong revitalization and has a strong residential and commercial market. He will build upon that reputation.

We haven't had a strong Democratic candidate for this seat for about 8 years - Dems will have their checkbooks open for this one.

If Callahan doesn't run, I'd like to see Cunningham run. He is Lehigh County Executive and was Callahan's mentor. He just announced he is giving up his run for Governor (because of insufficient fundraising) and will instead run for re-election.