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BUTLER TWP. — If U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta decides to run for U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s seat next year, another Hazleton-area legislator would likely seek Barletta’s post.
State Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Butler Township, said Friday she would consider a campaign for the congressional seat now held by the former Hazleton mayor.
“If it becomes an opening, it’s something I would have to seriously consider,” said Toohil, who is serving her fourth two-year term as a member of the state House. “Hopefully, we’ll know more in the next couple of weeks.”
Barletta, R-Hazleton, told the Times Leader at the end of July that he plans to soon make his intentions clear in regards to a possible bid to challenge Casey, now in his second six-year term.
An Associated Press story published the same day said Barletta, 61, told GOP officials and activists he had decided to run for the Senate.
President Donald Trump — frustrated with the Senate’s slim Republican majority — has previously urged Barletta to enter the race.
“I think he’s a phenomenal candidate for that post,” Toohil said of Barletta.
Toohil, 37, added she was “very humbled and honored that people have been calling and asking” her to run for the seat in the 11th Congressional District, which is comprised of all of Columbia, Montour, and Wyoming counties and parts of Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Northumberland and Perry counties.
