Trivedi notches big endorsement in Gerlach's district

A competitive Democratic primary could be forming in Rep. Jim Gerlach’s (R-Pa.) district, as state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D) is endorsing the insurgent candidate.

Dinniman this week backed physician Manan Trivedi, who is fighting an uphill battle against establishment favorite Doug Pike.

Dinniman carries plenty of clout in the 6th district. He was formerly a commissioner in Chester County for 15 years and he weighed his own bid for the congressional seat.

"I believe Manan Trivedi has the best chance to win in November," Dinniman said, according to the Chester County paper. "He has a very compelling life story. He appeals to Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives."

Trivedi turned in some solid fundraising numbers in the third quarter, but the self-funder Pike has a big head start thanks to more than $620,000 of his own money. That investment has earned him some hype from Democratic leaders, but Trivedi, who is an Iraq veteran, looms as a potentially formidable foe.

Republicans have a primary as well, where self-funding businessman Steven Welch has a big early cash lead. Gerlach is running for governor.