Brady, a long time central figure in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, has never received less than 74% in a general election, and opponents have had difficult recruiting even moderately electable candidates in this majority-minority district that includes South Philadelphia and some working class suburbs in Delaware County.

Respected for his ability to reach political deals behind the scenes, Brady has garnered an image as an effective politician, and thus has been rarely challenged by other Democrats.

In 2010, Pia Varma, a young freelance writer for conservative publications attempted to gain the Republican nomination, but failed to produce enough signatures to appear on the ballot.

Fattah represents one of the top five most Democratic districts in the country, and has never received less than 79% of the vote in his over fifteen year House career.

Fattah has had the consistent support of the African American community that is the base of a district that hasn't swung Republican since the 1946 elections.

[3] Democratic incumbent Kathy Dahlkemper unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican businessman Mike Kelly, who received 55.7% of the vote.

A political unknown prior to her 2008 campaign, Dahlkemper leveraged a moderate, blue collar image that enticed Democratic voters in a district that is pro-union, with a center-right tilt on social issues.

She then went on to narrowly unseat (with 52% of the vote) Congressman Phil English, a moderate Republican who had maintained good relations with labor, by attacking his ties to the Bush administration and for failing to follow through on a promise to retire after six terms.

During her first term, Dahlkemper has served as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of conservative Democrats, which has allowed her to keep a middle ground image.

However, her vote in favor of healthcare legislation and the lack of an entrenched image in certain corners of the district left her vulnerable.

In 2010, Dahlkemper faced a primary challenge from former foreign affairs official Mel Marin, winning with 73% of the vote.

Republicans focused heavily on regaining the seat, and six GOP candidates earned spots on the ballot: automobile dealer Mike Kelly, manufacturing executive Paul Huber, pharmaceutical representative Clayton Grabb, physician Steve Fisher, factory foreman Ed Franz, and accountant Martha Moore.

Other small cities in the district, such as Sharon and Meadville were swing regions, with a slightly conservative tilt that balanced out strongly Democratic Erie.

Democratic incumbent Jason Altmire ran for re-election and faced Republican attorney Keith Rothfus.

Democratic incumbent Chris Carney unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican nominee U.S. Attorney Tom Marino.

Democratic incumbent Paul E. Kanjorski unsuccessfully ran for re-election, losing to Republican Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta.

Democrat Mark Critz won a May 2010 special election to replace John Murtha, who served the district for 36 years.