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Rep. Pat Meehan to forego challenge to Sen. Bob Casey

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Pat Meehan (R., Pa.) will forego a run against Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) next year, and instead focus on winning reelection to his Delaware County-based seat in Congress.

Meehan had been considering a bid against Casey in a state that went to President Trump in November, but on Saturday night a spokesman said the Congressman plans to focus on his work in the House.

"Rep. Meehan's seat on the influential House Ways and Means Committee enables him to play a critical role in the most important coming legislative debates: health care, tax reform and trade," wrote spokesman John Elizandro. "He believes, at this time, our region is best served by him remaining in the House of Representatives and focused on the legislative opportunities ahead."

Meehan has $1.9 million in his campaign fund, and could have run against Casey in non-presidential year, which typically draw fewer Democratic voters in Pennsylvania. But it will also be a mid-term election, which historically tilts against the party holding the White House.

Democrats had taken Meehan's potential run seriously enough to begin attacking him already.

Republicans have a favorable Senate map in 2018, featuring many races in states Trump won, but will need to continue their search for a candidate in Pennsylvania.

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