Daily News reporter Bill Bender caught up with Upper Darby GOP leader John McNichol this morning to ask about reports that former Fox 29 news anchor Dawn Stensland is considering a Republican run for congress in Pennsylvania's 7th District.
McNichol was lukewarm about the news -- reported this morning on the website www.PA2010.com -- noting that Stensland lives in Philadelphia, which could open her up to attacks of being a "carpetbagger." He stressed that the party is behind former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan, who has already declared for the seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak.
"As far as I know, 98 percent of our people are solidly behind Pat," McNichol said. He added that he wasn't sure how strong Stensland's name recognition was, saying that most voters probably know her as "Larry Mendte's wife. I don't know how much that helps her."
Mendte, a former anchor for CBS 3, pleaded guilty to cyber-spying on co-anchor Alycia Lane last year. He was sentenced to six months house arrest and three years probation. Stensland stood by her husband in court.