Brian Fitzpatrick continues to consolidate his standing as the new GOP front-runner in the open PA-8 race.

Just two months ago, it was State Rep. Scott Petri who was being included on the NRCC’s “On the Radar” list.

But when Brian Fitzpatrick, younger brother of retiring incumbent Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, jumped into the race the ground quickly began to shift. Less than two weeks later, Petri dropped out.

Now Fitzpatrick is the one getting plaudits from the NRCC as they’ve named him to their “Young Guns” program.

The political newcomer got another piece of good news when it was revealed today that Dean Malik is also dropping out of the GOP primary. As a result, the only other Republican candidates in the primary are former Bucks County Commissioner Andrew Warren and neuropsychologist Marc Duome.

DCCC Spokesman Jermaine House swiftly condemned the switch.

“Though Brian Fitzpatrick moved from California to Pennsylvania last month, he has already made the NRCC Young Guns program,” said House. “Brian Fitzpatrick has not yet raised huge funds nor garnered huge endorsements to both make the list and oust his primary frontrunner Scott Petri who appears to have been unceremoniously shoved out of the race. However, Brian is the brother of the current representative Mike Fitzpatrick, which seems to be sufficient for the NCCC to clear the field for him.”

“Within a month of Brian’s move from California, Washington Republicans are already trying to push an outsider on Pennsylvanians,” House concluded. “Republicans clearly believe that a familiar last name is all it takes to be the most qualified Republican to run in this district – but  Bucks County residents want actual solutions to Washington’s dysfunction.”

PoliticsPA reached out to NRCC Spokesman Chris Pack for a response.

“Brian Fitzpatrick has a distinguished record of service to our country and exemplifies what it means to be a patriot,” Pack stated. “Fitzpatrick served as an FBI agent in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has made a career in the FBI fighting political corruption and traveling the globe supporting global counterterrorism efforts. No wonder the DCCC is spooked by Fitzpatrick’s impressive resume and are attacking him out of the gate.”