Callahan makes Dent’s reelection a race to watch

Democrats officially landed Bethlehem, Pa., Mayor John Callahan to run against Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), putting a seat in play that the party has long targeted.

Callahan was reported to be running for the seat last week, but he confirmed that report Monday.

“Just like I’ve done as Mayor, in Congress I’ll work to create jobs, get our economy moving again, restore fiscal responsibility, and keep our communities safe,” he said. “I’ll be an independent voice for our district that’s focused on finding bipartisan solutions to address the many challenges we’re facing.”

Dent’s district is one of the most Democratic not currently held by the majority party and went for both President Obama in 2008 and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) in 2004. While the party has taken over similar and much more conservative districts in recent years, Dent’s has eluded them – in large part thanks to weak challengers.

They feel Callahan can change all that. It should be a fun race to move into the competitive column.