No matter what Democratic polls or fundraising totals say, national Republicans see Keith Rothfus as real threat to beat the 8th District Congresswoman from California.

Oh, and the 4th District congressman from Pennsylvania too.

At a fundraiser for Rothfus this morning U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Indiana, said he was there "because I believe we might not fire Nancy Pelosi unless we hire Keith Rothfus."

Pence, the chair of the House Republican Conference, chose Rothfus as for his first promotional appearance of the post Labor Day political season, at a breakfast fundraiser at the Grand Concourse in Station Square. He did so for a reason, he said in remarks afterward.

"Democrats around the country know they have to hold onto conservative districts like this one if they have any hope of holding onto power. When I saw a conservative of this caliber who is a first tier candidatein every respect, I wanted to be here on what I think essentially is day one of the fall political season -- this is event one, day one, for me."

Rothfus lured 70 people to the event, on a morning clogged with traffic early in the school year, raising $40,000 from the event. Pence acknowleged incumbent Jason Altmire had a huge fundraising edge -- $1.47 million at the end of the 2nd quarter to Rothfus's $200K -- but said the Edgeworth attorney had the message and the energy to make it a race with the sophomore Democrat.

Rothfus "has garnered the attention of the national party as well as conservatives across America,: Pence said. "Make no mistake about it -- Congressman Altmire will have more resources at the end of the day to defend this seat. This is going to be a hard fought campaign and I believe ultimately that the effort that's made by Keith Rothfus to enliven the enthusiasm of conservative voters across this district will carry the day."