Skip to content
Politics

Report: Paterno son weighing run for Congress

HARRISBURG - Joe Paterno's son Jay is considering running as Democrat next year for the Fifth District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Glen Thompson, a Republican, The Patriot News reports.

Jay Paterno is considering running as Democrat for the Fifth District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Glen Thompson, a Republican, according to a report in 'The Patriot News.' (Laurence Kesterson/File photo)
Jay Paterno is considering running as Democrat for the Fifth District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Glen Thompson, a Republican, according to a report in 'The Patriot News.' (Laurence Kesterson/File photo)Read more
    by Inquirer Staff, Inquirer
    Published 

HARRISBURG - Joe Paterno's son Jay is considering running as Democrat next year for the Fifth District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Glen Thompson, a Republican, The Patriot News reports.

The newspaper said Paterno did not respond to a request for an interview, but cited "prominent Democratic figures in Centre County and Pennsylvania" as saying Paterno has indicated an interest in running and was expected to make a decision in a about a month.

Paterno was a Penn State assistant coach under his father, the university's legendary head football coach. Joe Paterno, who died in 2011, was a prominent Republican.

Another son, Scott, ran as a Republican in 2004 in the 17th Congressional District but lost to Democratic incumbent Tim Holden.

The Patriot News said state Treasurer Rob McCord, who is campaigning for governor, has been trumpeting a Paterno candidacy.

"Jay is a smart, capable leader who really wants to help people," McCord said through a campaign spokesman, according to the newspaper. "I believe he would win that congressional seat and make a great member of Congress. I'd love to see him get in that race."

    Inquirer Staff, Inquirer