2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania

none February 2026 September 2023 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania legislative No 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania 2006 2008 11 04 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania 2010 All 19 Pennsylvania seats to the United States House of Representatives Democratic Party (United States) 11 12 1 3,209,168 55.45% 0.12% Republican Party (United States) 8 7 1 2,520,805 43.55% 0.37% 300px Party gains 300px District results 300px County results #92C5DE Democratic hold #0671B0 Democratic gain#F48882 Republican hold Democratic #b9d7ff 40–50% #86B6F2 50–60% #4389E3 60–70% #1666CB 70–80% #0645B4 80–90% #002B84 >90% Republican #E27F90 50–60% #CC2F4A 60–70% #D40000 70–80% 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. 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. This was the last time the Democrats would win a majority of congressional districts in Pennsylvania until 2022. Match-up summary DistrictDemocraticRepublicanOthersTotalResult Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %PA 1 District 1 242,799 90.76% 24,714 9.24% 0 0.00% 267,513 100.00% Democratic holdPA 2 District 2 276,870 88.93% 34,466 11.07% 0 0.00% 311,336 100.00% Democratic holdPA 3 District 3 146,846 51.24% 139,757 48.76% 0 0.00% 286,603 100.00% Democratic gainPA 4 District 4 186,536 55.86% 147,411 44.14% 0 0.00% 333,947 100.00% Democratic holdPA 5 District 5 112,509 41.04% 155,513 56.72% 6,155 2.24% 274,177 100.00% Republican holdPA 6 District 6 164,952 47.90% 179,423 52.10% 0 0.00% 344,375 100.00% Republican holdPA 7 District 7 209,955 59.59% 142,362 40.41% 0 0.00% 352,317 100.00% Democratic holdPA 8 District 8 197,869 56.77% 145,103 41.63% 5,543 1.59% 348,515 100.00% Democratic holdPA 9 District 9 98,735 36.08% 174,951 63.92% 0 0.00% 273,686 100.00% Republican holdPA 10 District 10 160,837 56.33% 124,681 43.67% 0 0.00% 285,518 100.00% Democratic holdPA 11 District 11 146,379 51.63% 137,151 48.37% 0 0.00% 283,530 100.00% Democratic holdPA 12 District 12 155,268 57.85% 113,120 42.15% 0 0.00% 268,388 100.00% Democratic holdPA 13 District 13 196,868 62.79% 108,271 34.53% 8,374 2.67% 313,513 100.00% Democratic holdPA 14 District 14 242,326 91.26% 0 0.00% 23,214 8.74% 265,540 100.00% Democratic holdPA 15 District 15 128,333 41.43% 181,433 58.57% 0 0.00% 309,766 100.00% Republican holdPA 16 District 16 120,193 39.39% 170,329 55.82% 14,645 4.80% 305,167 100.00% Republican holdPA 17 District 17 192,699 63.68% 109,909 36.32% 0 0.00% 302,608 100.00% Democratic holdPA 18 District 18 119,661 35.93% 213,349 64.07% 0 0.00% 333,010 100.00% Republican holdPA 19 District 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 vote #ddd 600px 410px Democratic Democratic Party (United States) 55.57 Republican Republican Party (United States) 43.55 Other #777777 1.00 House seats #ddd 600px 410px Democratic Democratic Party (United States) 63.16 Republican Republican Party (United States) 36.84 District 1 2008 Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 1 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 1 2010 x150px Bobbrady.jpeg Bob Brady Democratic Party (United States) 242,799 90.76% 3x4.svg Mike Muhammad Republican Party (United States) 24,714 9.24% U.S. representative Bob Brady Democratic Party (United States) Bob Brady Democratic Party (United States) thumb 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. Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Bob Brady, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary resultshttps://www.electionreturns.pa.gov/Home/OfficeResults?officeId=11&ElectionID=17&ElectionType=P&IsActive=0 Pennsylvania Elections - 2008 General Primary (Official Returns) Pennsylvania Department of State August 13, 2025 Democratic Party (United States) Bob Brady (incumbent) 116,334 100.0 116,334 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Mike Muhammad, businessman Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Mike Muhammad 4,637 100.0 4,637 100.0 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Competitive House Race Chart http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2008-11-04_13-32-49.php House: Race Ratings The Cook Political Report 6 November 2006 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106112035/http://www.cookpolitical.com/charts/house/competitive_2008-11-04_13-32-49.php 6 November 2008Safe D November 6, 2008 Rothenberg2008 House Ratings http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/11/2008-house-ratings.html House Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report 2 November 2006 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106133426/http://rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/2008/11/2008-house-ratings.html 6 November 2008Safe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal Ball2008 House http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2008/house/ Sabato's Crystal Ball 6 November 2008 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106144620/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2008/house/ 6 November 2008Safe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsBattle for the House of Representatives http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/house/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives.html realclearpolitics.com Real Clear Politics 9 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20081217170047/http://www.realclearpolitics.com:80/epolls/2008/house/battle_for_the_house_of_representatives.html 17 December 2008 7 November 2008Safe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: House http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-house cqpolitics.com Congressional Quarterly Inc 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20081106054801/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-house 6 November 2008Safe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 1st congressional district electionFederal Elections 2008 Senate and House Federal Election Commission July 2009 Washington, D.C. https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2008congresults.pdf Democratic Party (United States) Bob Brady (incumbent) 242,799 90.76 Republican Party (United States) Mike Muhammad 24,714 9.24 267,513 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 2 2008 Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 2 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 2 2010 x150px Chaka Fattah official headshot (cropped).jpg Chaka Fattah Democratic Party (United States) 276,870 88.93% 3x4.svg Adam Lang Republican Party (United States) 34,466 11.07% U.S. representative Chaka Fattah Democratic Party (United States) Chaka Fattah Democratic Party (United States) thumb 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 Livingston 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. Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Chaka Fattah, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Chaka Fattah (incumbent) 161,022 100.00 161,022 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Michael Livingston, law professorDropped out due to lack of funding. Replaced by Adam Lang. Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Michael Livingston 4,521 100.00 4,521 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Chaka Fattah (incumbent) 276,870 88.93 Republican Party (United States) Adam Lang 34,466 11.07 311,336 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 3 2008 Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 3 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 3 2010 File:Dahlkemper-kathleen.jpg 150x150px Kathy Dahlkemper Democratic Party (United States) 146,846 51.24% File:Phil English (cropped).jpg Phil English Republican Party (United States) 139,757 48.76% 2008 PA-3 Election results.svg 150px County resultsDahlkemper: #8da9e2 50–60% English: #ed8883 50–60% #e55751 60–70% U.S. Representative Phil English Republican Party (United States) Kathy Dahlkemper Democratic Party (United States) thumb 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, ran as an independent. 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.http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_012223237.html The Herald, Sharon, Pa. - Crowded field eyes 3rd Congressional District seat 2008-01-15 2008-09-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20080926082101/http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_012223237.html live Dahlkemper proved better at mobilizing support than Foust, the original front-runner, and won the Democratic nomination with 45% of the vote. Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Kathy Dahlkemper, director of the Erie Arboretum Eliminated in primary Kyle Foust, Erie County Councilman Tom Myers, attorney Mike Waltner, religious nonprofit program coordinator Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Kathy Dahlkemper 43,858 44.91 Democratic Party (United States) Kyle Foust 24,672 25.27 Democratic Party (United States) Tom Myers 18,584 19.03 Democratic Party (United States) Mike Waltner 10,532 10.79 97,646 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Phil English, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Phil English (incumbent) 42,636 100.00 42,636 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportTossup November 6, 2008 RothenbergTilt D flip November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean D flip November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsTossup November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsTossup November 6, 2008 2008 Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Kathy Dahlkemper 146,846 51.24 Republican Party (United States) Phil English (incumbent) 139,757 48.76 286,603 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets English (R-i) vs Dahlkemper (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com District 4 2008 Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 4 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 4 2010 x150px Jason Altmire, official 110th Congress photo (cropped).jpg Jason Altmire Democratic Party (United States) 186,536 55.86% MelissaHartCongress.jpg Melissa Hart Republican Party (United States) 147,411 44.14% U.S. representative Jason Altmire Democratic Party (United States) Jason Altmire Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire again faced Republican Melissa Hart. 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.2008-07-25 NRA endorses Altmire in race against Hart https://archive.triblive.com/news/nra-endorses-altmire-in-race-against-hart/ 2022-01-15 archive.triblive.com Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Jason Altmire, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Jason Altmire (incumbent) 112,049 100.00 112,049 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Melissa Hart, former U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Melissa Hart 42,854 100.00 42,854 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLikely D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLikely D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Jason Altmire (incumbent) 186,536 55.86 Republican Party (United States) Melissa Hart 147,411 44.14 333,947 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 5 2008 Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5 2010 File:Glenn Thompson, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg Glenn "G.T." Thompson Republican Party (United States) 155,513 56.72% File:3x4.svg Mark McCracken Democratic Party (United States) 112,509 41.04% 2008 PA-5 Election Results.svg 250px County results Thompson: #ed8883 50–60% #e55751 60–70% #d02823 70–80%McCracken: #b4c7ec 40–50% U.S. Representative John E. Peterson Republican Party (United States) Glenn "G.T." Thompson Republican Party (United States) thumb 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. 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. 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.http://www.pennlive.com/news/expresstimes/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-15/120037352699150.xml&coll=2 Lehigh Valley News, Easton News, Nazareth News, Bethlehem News, Phillipsburg News, Allentown News plus Lehigh Valley Sports, Weather, Entertainment & Events - lehighvalleylive...August 2026 InternetArchiveBot 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. Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Mark McCracken, Clearfield County commissioner Eliminated in primary Bill Cahir, journalist and Iraq War veteran Richard Vilello, mayor of Lock Haven Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Mark McCracken 30,358 40.92 Democratic Party (United States) Bill Cahir 25,920 34.93 Democratic Party (United States) Richard Vilello 17,921 24.15 74,199 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Glenn Thompson, Centre County Republican Party chair Eliminated in primary Chris Exarchos, former Centre County commissioner John Krupa, mortgage broker Lou Radkowski, coroner of Elk County Keith Richardson, minister Matt Shaner, hotel developer Jeffrey Stroehmann, former Woodland Township supervisor John Stroup, mayor of Clarion Derek Walker, financial consultant Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Glenn Thompson 13,988 19.18 Republican Party (United States) Derek Walker 13,153 18.03 Republican Party (United States) Matt Shaner 12,860 17.63 Republican Party (United States) Jeffrey Stroehmann 9,921 13.60 Republican Party (United States) Keith Richardson 7,094 9.72 Republican Party (United States) Lou Radkowski 5,083 6.97 Republican Party (United States) John Stroup 4,550 6.24 Republican Party (United States) Chris Exarchos 4,376 6.00 Republican Party (United States) John Krupa 1,916 2.63 72,941 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLikely R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Glenn Thompson 155,513 56.72 Democratic Party (United States) Mark McCracken 112,509 41.04 Libertarian Party (United States) James Fryman 6,155 2.24 274,177 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 6 2008 Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 6 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 6 2010 x150px Rep. Jim Gerlach (cropped).jpg Jim Gerlach Republican Party (United States) 179,423 52.10% 3x4.svg Bob Roggio Democratic Party (United States) 164,952 47.90% U.S. representative Jim Gerlach Republican Party (United States) Jim Gerlach Republican Party (United States) thumb 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.2008-02-26 Pennsylvania: Democratic Businessman Has Gerlach to Himself https://www.rollcall.com/2008/02/26/pennsylvania-democratic-businessman-has-gerlach-to-himself/ 2022-01-15 Roll Call en 2021-04-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20210420013138/https://www.rollcall.com/2008/02/26/pennsylvania-democratic-businessman-has-gerlach-to-himself/ live 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.https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/homepage/20080623_U_S__Rep__Gerlach_in_unusual_position.html U.S. Rep. Gerlach in unusual position Tom Infield The Inquirer 23 June 2008 2020-12-29 2022-01-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20220115182709/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/homepage/20080623_U_S__Rep__Gerlach_in_unusual_position.html live 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. Democratic primary Nominee Bob Roggio, retired businessman Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Bob Roggio 82,540 100.00 82,540 100.0 Republican primary Nominee Jim Gerlach, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Jim Gerlach (incumbent) 39,232 100.00 39,232 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLikely R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLikely R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Jim Gerlach (incumbent) 179,423 52.10 Democratic Party (United States) Bob Roggio 164,952 47.90 344,375 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Gerlach (R-i) vs Roggio (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com District 7 2008 Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 7 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 7 2010 x150px Congressman Sestak Official Congressional headshot.jpg Joe Sestak Democratic Party (United States) 209,955 59.59% Craig Williams.jpg Craig Williams Republican Party (United States) 142,362 40.41% U.S. representative Joe Sestak Democratic Party (United States) Joe Sestak Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district Incumbent Democratic Joe Sestak defeated Republican nominee Wendell Craig Williams, winning 59.6% of the vote.http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=13&ElectionID=28&OfficeID=11#7 Sestak V. Williams Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110509173034/http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/ElectionsInformation.aspx?FunctionID=13&ElectionID=28&OfficeID=11 2011-05-09 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. Democratic primary Nominee Joe Sestak, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Joe Sestak 91,272 100.00 91,272 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Wendell Craig Williams, federal prosecutor and assistant U.S. Attorney Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Wendell Craig Williams 52,733 100.00 52,733 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Joe Sestak (incumbent) 209,955 59.59 Republican Party (United States) Wendell Craig Williams 142,362 40.41 352,317 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 8 2008 Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 8 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 8 2010 x150px Patrick Murphy official 110th Congress photo (cropped).jpg Patrick Murphy Democratic Party (United States) 197,869 56.77% 3x4.svg Tom Manion Republican Party (United States) 145,103 41.63% U.S. representative Patrick Murphy Democratic Party (United States) Patrick Murphy Democratic Party (United States) thumb 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. 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, 1st Lt. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Patrick Murphy, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Patrick Murphy (incumbent) 100,788 100.00 100,788 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Tom Manion, businessman and retired United States Marine Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Tom Manion 35,610 100.00 35,610 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLikely D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Patrick Murphy (incumbent) 197,869 56.77 Republican Party (United States) Tom Manion 145,103 41.63 Independent (United States) Tom Lingenfelter 5,543 1.59 348,515 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 9 2008 Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 9 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 9 2010 x150px Bill Shuster, official portrait, 109th Congress (cropped).jpg Bill Shuster Republican Party (United States) 174,951 63.92% 3x4.svg Tony Barr Democratic Party (United States) 98,735 36.08% U.S. representative Bill Shuster Republican Party (United States) Bill Shuster Republican Party (United States) thumb 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). Democratic primary Nominee Tony Barr, 2006 Democratic nominee Primary results Republican primary results Democratic Party (United States) Tony Barr 58,522 100.00 58,522 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Bill Shuster, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Bill Shuster (incumbent) 57,890 100.00 57,890 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Bill Shuster (incumbent) 174,951 63.92 Democratic Party (United States) Tony Barr 98,735 36.08 273,686 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 10 2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 10 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 10 2010 File:Chris Carney (cropped).jpg 150x150px Chris Carney Democratic Party (United States) 160,837 56.33% File:3x4.svg Chris Hackett Republican Party (United States) 124,681 43.67% 2008 PA-10 Election Results.svg 230px County resultsCarney: #8da9e2 50–60% #678cd7 60–70%Hackett: #ed8883 50–60% U.S. Representative Chris Carney Democratic Party (United States) Chris Carney Democratic Party (United States) thumb 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.September 2008 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. Democratic primary Nominee Chris Carney, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Chris Carney (incumbent) 71,988 100.00 71,988 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Chris Hackett, staffing company executive Eliminated in primary Dan Meuser, manufacturing executive Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Chris Hackett 34,129 52.32 Republican Party (United States) Dan Meuser 31,102 47.68 65,231 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLean D November 6, 2008 RothenbergLikely D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsTossup November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLean D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Chris Carney (incumbent) 160,837 56.33 Republican Party (United States) Chris Hackett 124,681 43.67 285,518 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Hackett (R) vs Carney (D-i) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com District 11 2008 Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 11 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 11 2010 x150px Rep. Paul Kanjorski.jpg Paul Kanjorski Democratic Party (United States) 146,379 51.63% Lou Barletta (cropped).jpg Lou Barletta Republican Party (United States) 137,151 48.37% U.S. representative Paul Kanjorski Democratic Party (United States) Paul Kanjorski Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district Twelve term Democratic incumbent Paul Kanjorski (D) was challenged by Republican Lou Barletta, the mayor of Hazleton. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Paul Kanjorski, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Paul Kanjorski (incumbent) 93,120 100.00 93,120 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Lou Barletta, mayor of Hazleton Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Lou Barletta 27,710 100.00 27,710 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportTossup November 6, 2008 RothenbergTossup November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean R flip November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsLean R flip November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsTossup November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Paul Kanjorski (incumbent) 146,379 51.63 Republican Party (United States) Lou Barletta 137,151 48.37 283,530 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Barletta (R) vs Kanjorski (D-i) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com District 12 2008 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 12 2006 2010 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district special election May 2010 x150px John Murtha portrait 2008 (cropped).jpg John Murtha Democratic Party (United States) 155,267 57.85% 3x4.svg William Russell Republican Party (United States) 113,120 42.15% U.S. representative John Murtha Democratic Party (United States) John Murtha Democratic Party (United States) Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district special election, 2010 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district thumb 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.http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_554407.html Murtha's GOP challenger denied primary ballot spot Associated Press February 27, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081026124343/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_554407.html 2008-10-26 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.http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/23/murtha-race-tightens-racist-redneck-remarks/ Fox News Elections 2008-10-26 2008-10-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20081026045849/http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/23/murtha-race-tightens-racist-redneck-remarks/ live 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."http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/10/snl-biden.html Los Angeles Times Top of the Ticket October 26, 2008 October 26, 2008 October 29, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081029061345/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/10/snl-biden.html live By October, Russell out-raised and outspent Murtha for a whole week.http://www.tribune-democrat.com/politics/local_story_299235845.html Russell raising, spending more money than Murtha » Local News » The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA 2008-10-26 2008-10-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20081029024851/http://www.tribune-democrat.com/politics/local_story_299235845.html live The district had a Cook Partisan Voting Index score of R+1. Democratic primary Nominee John Murtha, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) John Murtha (incumbent) 112,082 100.00 112,082 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLean D November 6, 2008 RothenbergLikely D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsLean D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLean D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) John Murtha (incumbent) 155,268 57.85 Republican Party (United States) William Russell 113,120 42.15 268,388 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 13 2008 Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 13 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 13 2010 x150px Allyson Schwartz official photo (cropped).jpg Allyson Schwartz Democratic Party (United States) 196,868 62.79% 3x4.svg Marina Kats Republican Party (United States) 108,271 34.53% U.S. representative Allyson Schwartz Democratic Party (United States) Allyson Schwartz Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district While two term Democrat Allyson Schwartz was a target for Republicans in the 2008 race, her seat was 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.http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=19335675&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=618959&rfi=6 Kats Will Take On Schwartz In Montco Congressional Race The Bulletin 2008-02-27 2008-06-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20081007162224/http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=19335675&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=618959&rfi=6 2008-10-07 dead Kats was underfunded and without name recognition, while running against and incumbent with a deep warchest of funds, which presented a crucial advantage in an expensive media market. This seat was considered to be noncompetitive. Democratic primary Nominee Allyson Schwartz, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Allyson Schwartz (incumbent) 44,402 100.00 44,402 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Marina Kats, attorney Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Marina Kats 27,169 100.00 27,169 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Allyson Schwartz (incumbent) 196,868 62.79 Republican Party (United States) Marina Kats 108,271 34.53 Constitution Party (United States) John McDermott 8,374 2.67 313,513 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 14 2008 Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 14 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 14 2010 x150px File:MikeDoyle.jpg Mike Doyle Democratic Party (United States) 242,326 91.26% 3x4.svg Titus North Green Party (United States) 23,214 8.74% U.S. representative Mike Doyle Democratic Party (United States) Mike Doyle Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district Seven term incumbent Mike Doyle (D) ran for another term. For the fourth straight election, Doyle did not face a Republican opponent, although Green Party candidate, professor Titus North, was on the ballot for the second straight year. Doyle represented a district that gave John Kerry 69% of the vote in 2004 and his seat was considered to be noncompetitive. The congressman presented a strongly pro-union image, while avoiding hot button social issues, which allowed him to remain popular and noncontroversial. Democratic primary Nominee Mike Doyle, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Mike Doyle (incumbent) 134,298 100.00 134,298 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Mike Doyle (incumbent) 242,326 91.26 Green Party (United States) Titus North 23,214 8.74 265,540 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 15 2008 Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15 2010 x150px File:Charlie Dent, official portrait, 112th Congress (cropped).jpg Charlie Dent Republican Party (United States) 181,433 58.57% 3x4.svg Sam Bennett Democratic Party (United States) 128,333 41.43% U.S. representative Charlie Dent Republican Party (United States) Charlie Dent Republican Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district Republican incumbent Charlie Dent was challenged by Allentown Democratic Party Chair Sam Bennett. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Sam Bennett, Allentown Democratic Party chair Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Sam Bennett 73,734 100.00 73,734 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Charlie Dent, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Charlie Dent (incumbent) 27,875 100.00 27,875 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLikely R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLikely R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Charlie Dent (incumbent) 181,433 58.57 Democratic Party (United States) Sam Bennett 128,333 41.43 309,766 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 16 2008 Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 16 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 16 2010 x150px Joe Pitts, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg Joe Pitts Republican Party (United States) 170,329 55.82% 3x4.svg Bruce Slater Democratic Party (United States) 120,193 39.39% U.S. representative Joe Pitts Republican Party (United States) Joe Pitts Republican Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district Six-term Republican incumbent Joe Pitts ran 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 https://web.archive.org/web/20081022220231/http://www.danfrankforcongress.com/ October 22, 2008 ) were also on the ballot. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Bruce Slater, U.S. Navy veteran and building contractor Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Bruce Slater 59,246 100.00 59,246 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Joe Pitts, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Joe Pitts (incumbent) 49,740 100.00 49,740 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Joe Pitts (incumbent) 170,329 55.82 Democratic Party (United States) Bruce Slater 120,193 39.39 Green Party (United States) John Murphy 11,768 3.86 Constitution Party (United States) Dan Frank 2,877 0.94 305,167 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 17 2008 Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania 2006 no 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania 2010 x150px Tim Holden.jpg Tim Holden Democratic Party (United States) 192,699 63.68% 3x4.svg Toni Gilhooley Republican Party (United States) 109,909 36.32% U.S. representative Tim Holden Democratic Party (United States) Tim Holden Democratic Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district Eight term incumbent Tim Holden (D) ran against Toni Gilhooley (R), a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Tim Holden, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Tim Holden (incumbent) 79,551 100.00 79,551 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Toni Gilhooley, state trooper Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Toni Gilhooley 49,123 100.00 49,123 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe D November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe D November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe D November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe D November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district election Democratic Party (United States) Tim Holden (incumbent) 192,699 63.68 Republican Party (United States) Toni Gilhooley 109,909 36.32 302,608 100.00 Democratic Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 18 2008 Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 18 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 18 2010 x150px Reptimmurphy.jpg Tim Murphy Republican Party (United States) 213,349 64.07% File:3x4.svg Steve O'Donnell Democratic Party (United States) 119,661 35.93% U.S. representative Tim Murphy Republican Party (United States) Tim Murphy Republican Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district Three term Republican Tim Murphy was challenged by Democrat Steve O'Donnell, a Monroeville health care executive. 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. 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. Democratic primary Nominee Steve O'Donnell, Monroeville health care firm executive Eliminated in primary Beth Hafer, business consultant and daughter of Barbara Hafer Brien Wall, insurance executive Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Steve O'Donnell 52,247 44.96 Democratic Party (United States) Beth Hafer 48,224 41.50 Democratic Party (United States) Brien Wall 15,733 13.54 116,204 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Tim Murphy, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Tim Murphy (incumbent) 39,780 100.00 39,780 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportLikely R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallLean R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsLikely R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Tim Murphy (incumbent) 213,349 64.07 Democratic Party (United States) Steve O'Donnell 119,661 35.93 333,010 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets District 19 2008 Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district election Pennsylvania presidential no 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 19 2006 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 19 2010 x150px Todd Russell Platts (cropped).jpg Todd Platts Republican Party (United States) 218,862 66.65% File:3x4.svg Phil Avillo Democratic Party (United States) 109,533 33.35% U.S. representative Todd Platts Republican Party (United States) Todd Platts Republican Party (United States) thumb Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district Four term incumbent Todd Russell Platts (R) ran for another term. His Democratic opponent was 2006 candidate and college professor Phil Avillo (campaign website https://web.archive.org/web/20080903191910/http://www.avillo08.com/ September 3, 2008 ), who was unopposed in the party primary. Platts represented a highly conservative district, which gave 64% of the vote to George W. Bush in 2004. Avillo, meanwhile, raised little money for his campaign. This race was expected to be noncompetitive. Democratic primary Nominee Philip Avillo, college professor and 2006 Democratic Party nominee Primary results Democratic primary results Democratic Party (United States) Philip Avillo 69,068 100.00 69,068 100.00 Republican primary Nominee Todd Platts, incumbent U.S. Representative Primary results Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) Todd Platts (incumbent) 57,198 100.00 57,198 100.00 Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political ReportSafe R November 6, 2008 RothenbergSafe R November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallSafe R November 6, 2008 Real Clear PoliticsSafe R November 7, 2008 CQ PoliticsSafe R November 6, 2008 General election 2008 Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district election Republican Party (United States) Todd Platts (incumbent) 218,862 66.65 Democratic Party (United States) Phil Avillo Jr. 109,533 33.35 328,395 100.00 Republican Party (United States) Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Notes References 30em External links Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation https://web.archive.org/web/20080717022922/https://www.dos.state.pa.us/bcel/site/default.asp July 17, 2008 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 2008 Pennsylvania United States House of Representatives