Jun 21, 2007

Scranton Times - Marino won’t run for Congress seat

Jun 21, 2007

Scranton Times - Marino won't run for Congress seat

U.S. Attorney Thomas Marino has told national Republican officials he won't run next year for the congressional seat that Rep. Chris Carney occupies.

Mr. Marino informed the National Republican Congressional Committee on Tuesday that he had decided against running, said Ken Spain, a spokesman for the committee.

Mr. Spain declined to comment on Mr. Marino's reasons for staying out of the race. Efforts to reach Mr. Marino were unsuccessful.

National Republicans reportedly viewed him as their favorite candidate, according to one Washington political newsletter. Mr. Spain declined to characterize Mr. Marino or any other candidate as the committee's favorite.

"We stand by our policy of staying out of primary elections," Mr. Spain said. "There's no shortage of top-tier candidates."

The list of potential Republican candidates includes Dan Meuser, president of Pride Mobility Products in Exeter; Joseph Peters, a homeland security consultant with Scranton roots who lives in Wyoming County; Dr. David Madeira, a Dallas chiropractor; Don Ely, a retired high school teacher and minister from Northumberland County; Chuck Erdman, the Northumberland County controller; Daniel Naylor, a Lackawanna Trail school director who lives in Benton Township; and attorney Matthew Brann of Bradford County.

So far, only Mr. Ely has publicly declared himself a candidate. The others have only said they are considering running.

Mr. Marino is the chief federal prosecutor for 33 of the state's counties, including all of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Carney defeated incumbent Republican Don Sherwood last year.

The Republican congressional committee considers regaining the seat in the 5-to-4 Republican district one of its top priorities.

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