Barr chalked up his loss in 2006 to a lack of time, money and recognition. He joined the 2006 campaign as an unknown write-in candidate and ran a short campaign for six months before voters re-elected Shuster in November.
Barr has jumped the gun for November 2008. Running unopposed for the Democratic nomination since July, he has dedicated his campaign to overcoming the lack of recognition that hurt him in the rim counties of the district in 2006.
"I would appreciate you telling your neighbors and your family about me and this campaign," he said. "If anybody is willing to host me, I'd be willing to come to your house, your lodge, your group gathering and speak and listen and answer questions."
While Barr toed the party line cast by Presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., on Monday, he said he believes that the issues being discussed are the issues that truly matter to the working men and women of southern Pennsylvania.
"I want this election to be about the things you really care about, the things that you worry about: your jobs, your health care, the price we all pay for the troops in Iraq and the terrible price those troops are paying to be there," he said.
Residents questioned Barr's ability to stick to his platform once in office and not be swept up in the maneuverings of congressional politics.
Elena Kehoe said that despite the complexity of the issues, Barr gave responses she could nod her head to in agreement.
Barr said, if elected, he will stick to what he knows and what he knows are the issues that matter to the people of his district.
Franklin County Democratic Party Chairwoman, Beth Shupp-George, said the county plans to bring Barr back to speak as many times as necessary.
"Tony will be here tons of times," she said.
