Blaine said he was driven to enter the race by divisiveness and mean-spiritedness in Washington, and his concerns about the world his four children will inherit.
``They are growing up in a world in which we have a government that can't operate and a congressional leadership that doesn't care about the air they breathe and the water they drink,'' he said.
Blaine said he supported the U.S. presence in Bosnia, a simplified income tax code - including a flat tax, if it allowed deductions for home mortgages and charitable contributions - and a balanced budget before any tax cuts. He said he supported abortion rights.
He said his heroes include Thomas Jefferson for standing against the excesses of big government, and Abraham Lincoln for his ability to reach out and listen to the people, and for having the courage of his convictions.
Blaine is a graduate of Harvard University, holds a doctorate in American culture from the University of Michigan, and is an Army veteran. He was one of the founders of the Kennett Paper, an award-winning weekly newspaper that covers Kennett Square and its surrounding communities. He is married to the former Joan Stroud, a member of prominent local family.
His careers, Blaine said, have been ones of public service in the private sector. ``I think I bring a perspective that, frankly, I would match with anybody running as a Republican,'' he said.
Leading Democrats are delighted with Blaine's candidacy, and optimistic that he can pull off an upset despite the Republicans' 3-1 voter edge in the district.
``We have a candidate who will at long last create a dialogue on the issues,'' said Chester County Commissioner Andrew Dinniman. ``The Republicans are so busy fighting over offices that they have forgotten [the concept] of public service.''
Lancaster County Democratic Party Chairwoman Kay Angermier said she was impressed with Blaine's background and his knowledge of issues: ``It all adds up to a good, viable, electable candidate.''
At this point, Blaine is unchallenged for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, several candidates are vying to win the party's endorsement for the April 23 primary election.
Seeking the GOP nomination from Chester County are state Sen. James Gerlach, Chester County Commissioners Chairwoman Karen Martynick, state Rep. Joseph Pitts of Kennett Square, Patrick Sellers of Coatesville, and statistician Dennis Sweitzer of Highland Township.
Lancaster County GOP candidates include former County Commissioner Brad S. Fischer and former county Republican committee chairman Steven R. Gibble.
