Looks like Democratic candidate for PA's 3rd district, Kathy Dahlkemper, is getting a few nods here in Washington. Dahlkemper faces incumbent Phil English in what is expected to be a tough re-election for the Congressman.

Stuart Rothenberg wrote about her in his weekend column, "Good Candidates for House Come in All Shapes and Sizes."

"Kathy Dahlkemper (D), Pennsylvania's 3rd district. I'm not sure if Dahlkemper is quite in the same class with the other three candidates I've already mentioned, but, given her lack of political experience, she clearly has what it takes to be a top-tier challenger to Rep. Phil English (R).

A dietician by training, Dahlkemper, 50, joined her husband's business, Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors, in 1997. The family business has been in Erie since 1955, and the Dahlkemper name is well-known and highly regarded in the area.

Dahlkemper's other claim is that she co-founded the Lake Erie Arboretum. But when it comes to campaigns, she is a neophyte. That probably explains why she seemed to rely more on talking points than Paulsen or Markey.

But the Democrat scores well on sincerity, and she acts like your neighbor rather than a career politician. And unlike Markey, who has EMILY's List support, Dahlkemper is a pro-life Democrat in a district with plenty of conservative Democrats.

A likable, articulate, common-sense citizen-politician, Dahlkemper has the tough job of trying to upset veteran English, who co-authored legislation that recently passed the House to extend unemployment benefits. She certainly is the underdog in the race, but English would be wise not to underestimate her appeal."

Here's what Rothenberg said about Dahlkemper back on March 4th in Roll Call:

"Lake Erie Arboretum Director Kathy Dahlkemper, who was a late entry into the race, also is running for the Democratic nomination. She raised about $88,000, contributed $66,000 of her own money, and had $116,000 on hand on Dec. 31. But she also has a ways to go before she is considered a serious threat to English, who was sitting on $537,000 in campaign funds."

Dahlkemper can thank the DCCC for the recent mention. They're the Washington driving force behind her campaign and they're ready to do just about anything to get her elected-- especially slam Phil English every chance they get.