John Drescher, a 54-year-old computer consultant from Donegal Township, Butler County, has announced he will seek the Republican nomination next year. Mr. Drescher is a former English supporter and “staunch conservative” who told Associated Press in a story today that Mr. English has become too moderate.

Mr. Drescher criticized Mr. English for his support of steel import tariffs and for his vote against President Bush’s troop “surge” in Iraq.

Democrats see Mr. English as vulnerable and at least three have expressed interest in his seat: Kyle Foust, an Erie County Council member and administrator at Mercyhurst College; Tom Myers, an Erie lawyer with organized labor ties; and Mike Waltner, a community outreach worker at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie.