Beginning tomorrow, Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Centre) will embark on a 4 day long bus tour to help spur enthusiasm for his bid for reelection in Pennsylvania’s 5th congressional district.

Thompson, a popular congressman representing a heavily Republican district, plans to visit 16 counties, with 24 scheduled stops and appearances. Pennsylvania’s 5th congressional district is the largest in the state, and Thompson’s tour is estimated to top out at over 800 miles of travel.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce I will seek re-election in each of the sixteen counties that I have the privilege to represent in the Fifth Congressional District of the great state of Pennsylvania,” Thompson said. “It means a lot to me to see friends and supporters, and I sincerely hope that you can carve out a few minutes to join me at one of the many locations we will be visiting.”

The tour begins with a press conference in State College on Tuesday, January 21, and continues until Friday, January 24, with stops at local businesses, restaurants and cafes spread throughout the district.

Thompson has held his seat in Congress since 2009 and is currently the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Energy.

Challenging Thompson is Democrat Thomas Edward Tarantella, a 22 year U.S. Army veteran and lifelong resident of the 5th district.

And there may yet be another Democratic challenger. Jay Paterno, son of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, has been rumored to have interest in making a run for the House seat.

Speculation over Paterno’s entry in the race has been the only in hitch in what seems like an easy reelection bid for Thompson.