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WILKES-BARRE — State Rep. Tarah Toohil announced Wednesday she will not be a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 11th Congressional District.
The seat will be open next year when incumbent Republican Lou Barletta runs for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate. Barletta has held the seat since 2010 when he defeated 26-year Democratic incumbent Paul Kanjorski.
“I am a servant of the people, and to know so many have expressed the desire for me to serve in the federal government is truly humbling and inspires me to continue to work harder than ever on behalf of all the constituents I represent,” Toohil said in a news release. “At this time, and after great consideration, I have decided not to run for Congress.”
Toohil will support the candidacy of Dan Meuser, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue, who announced his candidacy for Barletta’s seat Tuesday.
“Dan’s particular work experience and life experience at age 53 is unparalleled,” Toohil said. “Dan has served as a president of a successful global company, as Secretary of the Department of Revenue (taking it from a D to A- rating under his leadership), as a tireless supporter of conservative candidates and charitable efforts in our community. Dan Meuser is a high quality candidate who has already proven he is ready to lead.”
Toohil believes the May primary will be critical, and she doesn’t want to see Republicans challenging each other.
“Rather we should challenge the hyper-liberal policies of the left that don’t fit with our area’s values and, importantly, that fail to put America first,” Toohil said.
Meuser is the only Republican to announce for the seat. Robert Alan Howe, a Democrat from Carlisle, is also running. Two other Republicans have been reported to be interested — state Rep. Stephen Bloom, of Cumberland County, and Andrew Lewis, of Harrisburg
On the Democratic side, state Sen. John Yudichak, Plymouth Township, and Luzerne County Council Member Tim McGinley have also said they have been approached about the race. Yudichak, 47, said Tuesday he would make an announcement by the end of September.