At long last the GOP field is starting to take shape in the contest to replace retiring Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick.

According to Gary Weckselblatt of the Intelligencer, State Representative Scott Petri is launching an exploratory committee for a 2016 run.

Petri has been rumored as a candidate for awhile now and is the first GOP hopeful to dip his toe into the race. Earlier this month, State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo revealed he is passing on this contest.

There is still no word from Bucks native and former Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, though many doubt he’ll enter the election.

Meanwhile, Petri spoke a bit to the editorial board of the Bucks County Courier-Times yesterday.

The State Rep. revealed that he has reached out to Congressman Fitzpatrick but not the party chairwoman Pat Poprik.

“I think I would be disappointed if she tried to clear the field for anyone, including myself,” Petri said. “We do allow committee people to have a say in determining what the primary field should be. To have any chairman decide is not respectful of the committee person’s viewpoint.”

Petri also talked a bit about both Democratic candidates. Of his colleague State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, he talked about his respect for Santarsiero and said “he would be a formidable opponent.”

As for Shaughnessy Naughton, he was a bit less charitable stating that she is “very articulate. She presents herself well.”

The 8th Congressional District encompasses all of Bucks County as well as part of Upper Montgomery County.