[2] He also coordinated special projects for the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce and worked as a director of a business-development group for Blairsville, Pennsylvania.

[2] Reed was inspired to challenge Steelman after seeing fellow 20-something Jeff Coleman defeat another long-term Democrat in the adjacent 60th legislative district.

[4] As a challenger, Reed followed the campaign blueprint established in 2000 by when young Jeff Coleman defeated Tim Pesci in nearby Armstrong County.

In 2003, the political website PoliticsPA named him to "The Best of the Freshman Class" list, saying that "What he lacks in practical experience, Reed more than makes up for with hard work.

The new maps placed Reed's residence in Indiana, Pennsylvania in a new 15th congressional district alongside current Representative Glenn Thompson.