The campaign committee charged with electing Republicans to Congress is targeting southwest PA, Roll Call reports this morning. They’ve reserved $1.3 million in post-Labor Day airtime.

It’s part of a $18.2 million reservation across the country.

Writes Shira Toeplitz:

The committee’s IE reservation is split between Democratic- and Republican-held seats — an early signal that the committee plans to go on the offensive and is not content to simply defend the GOP’s 25-seat majority.
…
$1.3 million in the Pittsburgh market. This covers the state’s recently redrawn, GOP-leaning 12th district. Attorney Keith Rothfus (R) faces Rep. Mark Critz (D) here.

It could also be a precaution for Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny) who faces Washington County Sheriff Larry Maggi in a race that is among the more competitive in the state this cycle.

The reservation is notable for the fact that it skips Philadelphia. Two of Dems’ top PA targets – Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Jim Gerlach (R-Chester) – represent districts in that market. Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Delaware) could also be a target.

Neither committees’ figures is set in stone (i.e. the money isn’t out the door yet), and Philly could be on their list later in the cycle. But at this stage, based on this move, it looks like the GOP is feeling good about holding those seats.

The NRCC is about two months behind their Democratic counterparts, who in April reserved $25 mil around the country. That includes $3.57 million in Philadelphia and $2 million in Pittsburgh.