“The celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz is preparing to jump into the Pennsylvania Senate race on the Republican side, a move that would shake up contested primary and general election contests. The 61-year-old Oz has begun hiring a staff and reaching out to potential allies, according to influential Republicans familiar with his plans. It is unclear when he is planning an official announcement. The Cleveland-born, Delaware-raised, and New Jersey-based Oz rose to national attention as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, where she dubbed him ‘America’s doctor,’ and later as the host of his own program. A political newcomer who has donated to both Democrats and Republicans, Oz’s principal connection to Pennsylvania appears to be his graduate education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both medical and business degrees in the 1980s.”

“Oz would join the military veteran Sean Parnell and the business executive Jeff Bartos, among others, in the Republican primary. State GOP leaders are also urging the Pennsylvania native and Bridgewater Associates CEO David McCormick to jump into the race, expressing concern that the perceived weaknesses of the current candidates could cost Republicans a winnable race. Parnell is testifying this week in a child-custody battle with his ex-wife that has prompted allegations that he physically abused his wife and children – charges he has denied” – Washington Free Beacon.