Make no mistake — both Democrats and Republicans are sharply focused on the 3rd congressional seat now held by U.S. Rep. Phil English, of Erie.

English, of course, is trying to keep the seat that he’s held for 13 years.

And at least three Democrats are trying to win their party’s nomination for the right to try to knock English off in 2008.

Whatever the outcome, it looks like some serious cash will be spent in this race.

English has accumulated $250,000 in the bank already.

Democrat Tom Myers, an Erie lawyer, announced that his campaign raised $54,000 in less than one month of fundraising.

The other Democrats in the field, Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust, and Moise “Mike’’ Waltner, an Erie lay minister, aren’t showing their hand just yet.

Foust said he’s pleased with the amount that his organization has raised so far, but said he doesn’t need to tip off his opponents now. He’s not required to disclose the amount until the next campaign expense reporting period ends in late September.

Waltner, in a statement, said his organization set rigid goals and will announce the financial numbers later. Waltner said his group’s fundraising includes seeking out donors in cooperation with a D.C.-based financial consultant.

Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will need plenty of money if they expect to defeat English, who knows that the Democrats are gunning for an incumbent — one that they see as vulnerable in no small part due to the Iraq war.

I welcome your comments on the 2008 congressional race, the race for president or any other election in 2008. Please give me a name so that I can post your comments.

That means you, “Laid Back Farmer.’’

— John Guerriero