The Salisbury Daily Times reports that top state and national Republican leaders are rallying around Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, R-Md., in his re-election campaign against a well-funded conservative challenger. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and House colleague Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, R-Md., are scheduled to attend a Jan. 10 fundraiser for Gilchrest in Annapolis, Md. State Sen. Andy Harris is challenging Gilchrest with the backing of conservative groups, and state Sen. E.J. Pipkin is also running.

The Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader reports that accountant and business consultant Paul Swiderski said Monday he would challenge Rep. Christopher Carney, D-Pa., in the Democratic primary next year. He is the fourth candidate to challenge the freshman House member. Swiderski said he is the only candidate who can relate to the people in the district. “I am merely a small business owner . . . who has the same concerns as most of the people in the district. The need for affordable quality health insurance, lower gas prices and home heating costs, lower taxes, and accountability in government top the list of concerns,” he said.