State Rep. Kate Harper of Lower Gwynedd announced over the weekend she will seek the Republican endorsement for Montgomery County Commissioner.

Harper, a lifelong Montgomery County resident, is a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, representing the 61st House District.

It comes down to a numbers game for Harper. She is currently one of 203 House members in Harrisburg and although Republicans will hold the majority in the House over the next two years, Harper is not part of the GOP leadership.

Montgomery County has just three elected commissioners running one of the largest government operations in the state.

From a press release announcing her candidacy:

"These are challenging times and we need to search for creative solutions as we meet the challenges Montgomery County is facing in the coming years," Harper said. "I believe that as state representative I have demonstrated that I can build a consensus for even the thorniest issues and move forward - and I will bring that experience with me to the courthouse and work as team with whomever the taxpayers pick to manage Montgomery County.

Harper has an impressive resume.

Her political and professional experience includes 13 years as a Lower Gwynedd Township supervisor and six years on the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

She is a partner in the Fort Washington-based law firm Timoney Knox, LLP with a practice focusing on municipal law, real estate and civil litigation. She has also served as solicitor or special counsel to numerous municipal bodies throughout Montgomery County.

And then there's her 10 years of service in the Pennsylvania Legislature.

"Serving in the House of Representatives has been one of the best experiences of my life and I believe I can accomplish even more for the taxpayers in the role of county commissioner," said Harper. "But Montgomery County, like the rest of the Commonwealth, is facing unprecedented tough times and we need a common sense approach to getting back on track. And that means new leadership."

Three other Republicans - former Lower Merion School Board member Jill Govberg, Lower Merion Township Supervisor Jenny Brown and Montgomery County Jury Commissioner Marie N. Cavanaugh - have already announced their candidacy for Montgomery County commissioner.

And incumbent Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. is expected to announced plans for re-election soon.