Rep. Carney backs insurgent candidate in Gerlach's district

Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) announced Thursday that he will support Dr. Manan Trivedi over establishment favorite Doug Pike in the Democratic primary for Rep. Jim Gerlach's (R-Pa.) seat.

Trivedi has gradually been gaining momentum in the race, after Pike's initial self-funding caught the eyes of national Democrats in a big way.

Carney becomes the first member of Congress to back the Iraq veteran and gives his insurgent campaign a big boost of credibility.

“Through his work as a physician, healthcare reform advocate and military officer, Manan Trivedi has shown an admirable dedication to service," Carney said. "He has the real-life experience to help fix our country’s health care system and lead the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th District to new economic opportunities."

Trivedi's campaign also played up the backing of state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D) last month.