By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com

Manan Trivedi has received the support of fellow veteran U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, his campaign said Thursday.

“Through his work as a physician, healthcare reform advocate and military officer, Manan Trivedi has shown an admirable dedication to service,” Carney said in a statement. “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. His experience serving on the front lines in the Iraq war gives him invaluable perspective on issues of foreign policy and national security. We may not agree on every issue, but I can say without question that Manan Trivedi will be the type of congressman we so desperately need. I am proud to endorse his candidacy.”

Carney, who represents the 10th Congressional District, was elected in 2006 and is considered a moderate Democrat. He is the first sitting Pennsylvania congressman to back Trivedi, who has seen his Democratic opponent, Doug Pike, receive support from the state’s entire southeast delegation. U.S. reps. Patrick Murphy, Allyson Schwartz, Chaka Fattah and Bob Brady have each formally endorsed Pike.

Earlier in the day Pike announced another congressional endorsement, although from out-of-state. His campaign  announced he had been endorsed by Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas.

“During his career as a journalist and on Capitol Hill working with my late husband, Doug Pike demonstrated a deep commitment to public service,” Tsongas said in a statement. “As we work to recover from an economic crisis, we need more allies in Congress like Doug who will work to create good jobs and be an advocate for our families. Doug’s unique perspective and experience and will bring tremendous value to the United States Congress, and I am pleased to support his candidacy.”

The contest between Trivedi and Pike, each trying to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Jim Gerlach, is one of the state’s marquee primaries, and it already has become a heated campaign. The race is also likely to attract the attention of Democrats in Washington, who see the 6th District seat, which heavily supported President Barack Obama last year, as one of their best takeover opportunties nationwide.

UPDATED: This story was updated at 2:45 p.m.