Meehan takes a victory lap in Delaware County

The Republican who will replace Joe Sestak in the House says Congress has to concentrate on promoting small businesses for job growth.

Former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan took a victory lap Wednesday after easily defeating Democrat Bryan Lentz for Pennsylvania’s 7th District congressional seat. His victory brings the Delaware County swing district back to the Republicans after two terms under Democratic control.

Meehan began his day by greeting some of his future constituents at Minnella’s Diner in Wayne.

Meehan said the Republican wave that helped sweep him into office was not so much a party mandate as it was a rejection of Democratic leadership in Washington.

“If I heard it once, I heard it scores of times on the campaign trail, people who were very angry with commentary that came out of Nancy Pelosi, just pass it and we’ll figure out what’s in it,” Meehan said.

Meehan, who said the Obama Administration lost its focus on fixing the economy, said promoting small businesses will fuel job growth.

Meehan will replace Democrat Joe Sestak who failed in his bid for the U.S. Senate.