The moderate Republican Main Street Partnership PAC today endorsed former state Sen. John (Joe) Schwarz in the crowded Republican primary to select a nominee for the seat of retiring Rep. Nick Smith, snubbing Smith's son Brad, who is also seeking to succeed his father.

"The 7th District will send a freshman to the next Congress, but they don't need to send a rookie," said Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia, a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC's advisory board. "Joe Schwarz is a veteran legislator and mayor who will bring a much-needed perspective to Congress on health care and lower taxes."

A recent EPIC-MRA poll showed Schwarz tied with Smith at 16-16 percent in a six-way primary, with state Rep. Gene DeRossett at 11 percent and three others -- state Rep. Clark Bisbee and former state Reps. Tim Walberg and Paul DeWeese tied -- at 10 percent, with 27 percent of surveyed voters undecided.

Meanwhile, a cardiovascular surgeon announced Thursday his intention to seek the seat being vacated by Rep. Chris John, D-La., according to the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Charles Boustany will face fellow Republican David Thibodaux, a school board member.

 The Democratic field includes state Sens. Don Cravins and Willie Mount and former state judge Ned Doucet. Boustany said his experience as a surgeon makes him the ideal candidate. "I've made life-and-death decisions on a daily basis. I know what pressure is." John is leaving his House to seek the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. John Breaux.