Newcomer aiming to take on Rep. Fitzpatrick in Bucks County

Pennsylvania Democrats hoping to pick up a Congressional seat this year are targeting Republican Mike Fitzpatrick in Bucks County, and one of those gunning for him is Shaughnessy Naughton, a 35 year-old first-time candidate.

Naughton is a former medical researcher who now runs her family’s publishing business.  She grew up on the Delaware River, where her mom was arrested for joining in protests against the controversial Point Pleasant water pumping station.

“It shaped who I am, because she stood up for what she believed in,” Naughton said in an interview.

She said environmental protection is core value and an important part of her Congressional campaign.

“I’ve been very clear from the beginning that we need a federal ban on fracking in the Delaware River basin, where 15 million people depend on the water for their water supply,” Naughton said of the natural gas drilling technique.

Fitzpatrick won the swing seat in 2004, lost in 2006, and won it back in 2010. His environmental focus has been on conservation, such as preserving farm land in Bucks County.

Before Naughton gets to take him on, she’ll have to survive a Democrat primary battle with former Army Ranger Kevin Strouse. Naughton and Strouse face off May 20th.