A local businessman says he’s considering running for the Pennsylvania’s Third District Congressional Seat in 2010.

Steve Fisher of Cochranton confirmed he’s in the process of forming an exploratory committee to run for Congress on the Republican ticket next year. The Third District covers all or parts of seven counties in northwest Pennsylvania, including most of Crawford County, and currently is held by freshman Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper of Erie. Dahlkemper defeated incumbent Republican Congressman Phil English in November 2008.

“It’s an exploratory committee, not a formal campaign committee,” Fisher said Tuesday.

Fisher said he has had meetings with Republican Party officials throughout the district. He said it would be his first try for office.

“I have three kids ages 16 to 26 and a grandchild,” Fisher said of why he may run. “With all that’s been taking place lately I’m concerned for their future and the generations after.”

Fisher is an insurance agent with Byham Insurance Agency of Meadville. He has been in the insurance business for 25 years.