The Eye

Onorato noted that he represents employers in his professional capacity, and that "in speaking with employers throughout the region, it's clear that they feel that there's a lack of representation by the current member of Congress."

He mentioned Dahlkemper's vote for the economic stimulus law promoted and signed by President Obama last February, and her support for a bill, known as the "card check" legislation or the Employee Free Choice Act, that would ease union organizing.

On health care, Onorato said that Congress needs to "create greater competition in the private sector." He opposes a government-run "public option."

"It's clear that we should start to tear down some of these prohibitions that interfere with competition, by allowing insurance to be sold across state lines," Onorato said. "That would go a long way in reducing the costs and increasing the quality of insurance coverage in our country."

Onorato's background includes teaching at Gannon University in Erie, where he took his undergraduate and master's business degrees. He previously served as chief of staff to Republican state Sen. Jane Earll and managed her 1996 victory over a longtime Democratic incumbent. He also worked for Republican Sen. John Heinz, who served from 1977 until his death in an aircraft collision in 1991.

Dahlkemper in 2008 unseated Republican Rep. Phil English, 51.2 percent to 48.8 percent, in a district that split its presidential ballots almost exactly evenly between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

"We need to make sure that we have a top-tier candidate go against her in the fall of 2010," Onorato said.

CQ Politics at the moment rates the Pennsylvania 3 race as Democrat Favored, though that classification could change over the next 14 months.

To follow the 2010 House races, check out the CQ Politics election map