By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

A new name has emerged as a possible challenger to U.S. Senator Bob Casey.

David A. Christian, a veteran’s advocate and businessman from Bucks County, has formed an exploratory committee in the 2012 Senate race.

“I plan to speak with and listen to Pennsylvanians throughout the state to examine the opportunities available in this possible bid to unseat Senator Bob Casey Jr.,” said Christian in a press release. “In this tough economic period, people are continuing to lose their homes and their jobs because of failed the policies of President Obama and Senator Casey.”

In a release, Christian touts his advocacy work with veterans and business background.

“Right now we need tested leaders with business experience to unleash the natural talents of our citizens and reignite the American promise of unlimited opportunity for all,” he said.

It does not appear that Christian has held elected office in Pennsylvania, but he ran for Congress twice in the 1980s. He came within two points of defeating Congressman Peter Kostmayer (D-Bucks) in 1984, and finished behind Kostmayer by ten points in 1986.

At first glance, it is unclear whether Christian’s announcement is related to a specific recruiting effort on the part of Republicans in PA or in Washington, DC. The announcement came directly from Christian spokesman Skip Salvesen, who until recently managed the PA Commercial Action Network to lobby Harrisburg for business-friendly policies.

So far, Republicans have had a tough time finding a candidate for this race. A number of top tier prospects, including several congressmen and most recently PA Sen. Jake Corman, have declined. Harrisburg-area attorney Marc Scaringi and Scranton Tea Party leader Laureen Cummings have each been campaigning around the state, speaking to local Republican and Tea Party groups.

Meanwhile, Casey has been raising money at a steady clip and currently sits on $3.1 million.

Here is Christian’s full statement:

David A. Christian Forms Exploratory Committee for 2012 U.S. Senate Bid

One of the most decorated Vietnam War veterans and youngest Captains of the U.S. Army, David A. Christian of Bucks County, announced his launch of an Exploratory Committee to survey a bid for the 2012 U.S. Senate seat currently held by Bob Casey Jr.

Christian, a veteran’s advocate and Philadelphia businessman, has worked with various federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Labor, under four U.S. Presidential Administrations in Washington D.C.  He is especially proud of his work in developing jobs, outreach programs and assisting returning war veterans in transitioning back to civilian life. Christian has consistently demonstrated his commitment to veterans. He was responsible for drafting some of the first Agent Orange legislation and for founding assistance programs which established Pennsylvania as the first and only state in compliance with federal regulations with respect to serving employment needs  combat veterans.

Christian now works as a business consultant with clients both in the United States and abroad. He has extensive knowledge in domestic & international affairs with an emphasis on humanitarian and nation-building efforts (Cambodia/Former USSR/Middle East).   He also presently serves as executive at a Philadelphia-based manufacturing company with over 50 employees.

“I plan to speak with and listen to Pennsylvanians throughout the state to examine the opportunities available in this possible bid to unseat Senator Bob Casey Jr.,” asserted Christian.   “In this tough economic period, people are continuing to lose their homes and their jobs because of failed the policies of President Obama and Senator Casey.  Right now we need tested leaders with business experience to unleash the natural talents of our citizens and reignite the American promise of unlimited opportunity for all.” Christian, a former Airborne Ranger and Green Beret, is a graduate of Officer Candidate School. He is also a graduate of Villanova University and the Rutgers University Law School.

David Christian serves as a board member on several organizations including The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and The Legion of Valor; the nation’s oldest veterans’ organization.  He is the recipient of many citations and awards including two recommendations for the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, as well as numerous other honors for valor.  He and his wife, Peggy, reside in Southeastern PA and have four children.