A former Washington consultant living in South Park plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District seat.

"I believe that a fresh approach and a new energy are desperately needed to reinvigorate Washington," said Dan Connolly, 26.

Republican Rep. Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair is in his fourth two-year term representing the district, which includes parts of Allegheny, Westmoreland and Washington counties.

Connolly grew up in Upper St. Clair and lost his father, Robert, in the Sept. 8, 1994, crash of USAir Flight 427 in Hopewell. He said the tragedy shaped his life, and helped spark his interest in public policy.

"What I learned from that is, when people come together for the common good, real achievements and real improvements can happen," Connolly said. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the crash led to aircraft design changes and passage of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act.

Connolly worked for about a year with the Washington consulting firm Hall & Associates, which specializes in legislative affairs, crisis management and transportation safety and security. His boss, Jim Hall, headed the NTSB when it investigated the USAir crash.

Connolly earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and a law degree from George Washington University. He clerked for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and handled constituent services for Sen. Arlen Specter.

Registered as a Republican from 2004 to 2007, said he did so in order to vote for Specter -- then a Republican -- in his 2004 primary run, but switched back to the Democratic Party before the last presidential election.

No other Democrats have expressed interest in running for Murphy's seat, said Allegheny County Democratic Committee Chairman Jim Burn.

"I'm very impressed with Dan's energy. He's definitely got the fire, and he's got a story to tell," Burn said. "I think he'd give Murphy a heckuva battle."

Murphy hasn't been seriously challenged in any general election race. His most narrow win was by 16 points in 2006.

"I really don't think he's vulnerable," said Jim Roddey, the county GOP chair.

In a statement, Murphy spokesman Mark Carpenter said the congressman would "continue to be dedicated towards growing jobs, reforming health care, helping returning vets, stopping tax increases and ending government overspending for his constituents and the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania."

Connolly wouldn't say how much money his campaign has raised, but said he plans to file finance reports this month. Nominating petitions are due by March.