With the decisions of voters still months away, the Democrats' would-be challengers to Rep. Melissa Hart, R-Bradford Woods, are jockeying for the endorsements of party luminaries.

Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, joined Auditor General Jack Wagner on Tuesday to endorse Jason Altmire, a former UPMC executive who hopes to challenge the incumbent. To do that, he will have to defeat Georgia Berner, a businesswoman who is also seeking the 4th District nomination.

On Monday, it will be Ms. Berner's turn to stand next to a high-profile party supporter, as she introduces Barbara Hafer, the former state treasurer and auditor general, as her honorary fund-raising chair.