Near even money in potentially hot House race

WASHINGTON Two Democrats seeking to become their party's nominee in the 2016 Eighth District congressional election were sitting on nearly equal amounts of cash at the end of last month, according to campaign finance reports filed Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission.

State Rep. Steve Santarsiero of Lower Makefield reported having about $283,000 on hand after raising nearly $116,000 between April and June, the reports show.

Shaughnessy Naughton of Point Pleasant, who lost a 2014 primary race for the seat, has about $242,000 and had raised about $179,000 during the last three months.

Santarsiero and Naughton appear headed toward a primary battle in what analysts have said could be one of the most competitive House races in the country.

Republican incumbent Mike Fitzpatrick is stepping down due to a self-imposed term limit, and voters in the district - consisting of Bucks and a sliver of Montgomery County - have elected both Democratic and Republican representatives, a rarity.

On the GOP side, former County Commissioner Andy Warren has announced his candidacy for the 2016 election, but his committee was registered only within the last few weeks and fund-raising totals were not available.

Other potential candidates, such as State Rep. Scott Petri and businessman Tom Manion, have said they are considering running but have not filed paperwork yet. - Chris Palmer