The NRCC has moved congressional candidate Mike Kelly, running against incumbent Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper, into its “Young Gun” program, which is designed to identify the GOP’s top pick-up opportunities across the country, The Hotline reports.

Kelly and Dahlkemper are battling in the 3rd Congressional District in the state’s northwest corner, a seat held for 14 years by Republican Phil English before Dahlkemper narrowly defeated him in 2008. The moderate district is considered prime territory for Republican’s this year in a political far more favorable to them than in 2010.

Dahlkemper holds a significant financial advantage over Kelly, but the Butler County car dealer has the ability to self-fund his campaign and has indicated he plans to do so.

Kelly is one of 52 “Young Guns” for the NRCC nationwide.

NRCC spokesman Tory Mazzola said Kelly’s plan to lower taxes is resonating with voters in the area.

“As Kathy Dahlkemper tries to spin her record with false TV ads paid for with special interest money, Mike Kelly’s talking to voters about his plans to lower taxes, stop reckless spending and create jobs,” the spokesman said. “He’s generating momentum across Northwestern Pennsylvania and will hold Dahlkemper accountable this fall for voting with Speaker Pelosi  94 percent of the time and failing to help put people back to work.”