Former Thornburg aide poised to enter PA-6 race

A former Revenue Secretary in the Thornburgh administration with a resume deep on government service and academia is set to formally declare his candidacy in the 6th Congressional District, adding another Republican to what has quickly become one of the most crowded, competitive primaries in the state.

Howard Cohen, who runs a business consulting firm in Bala Cynwyd, told pa2010.com that he is likely to make an official announcement next week. But he has already filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. And in considering the race over the last couple months, he said, he has met with party leaders in the district, in Harrisburg and in Washington, while also talking to the three Republicans already in the race.

“I have told people I’m running and I am running,” Cohen said in a phone interview Monday.

“I have been involved in political life and government life for over 40 years, and I am somewhat disappointed in the quality of political dialogue not only in the country but even in the neighborhood and certainly in the state,” he added. “I think the recent 101 days of the Commonwealth being withinout a budget is symptomatic of much deeper issues in the body politic. I have decided to run because I think, without being arrogant about it, that I can make a serious contribution to elevating the political dialogue in this region.”

http://www.pa2010.com/2009/11/former-thornburg-aide-poised-to-enter-pa-6-race/