Northup told WHAS 11 News last week that she's seriously considering a run for her old seat in congress, which is now held by democrat John Yarmuth. Northup would seem to be the GOP's best chance of defeating the freshman. But Thieneman tells me he'll give Louisville voters the "best chance they've ever had for a true representative of the people." Referring to Northup, Thieneman says "if she wants to run, that's fine" adding that it's important for republicans to have a choice. Thieneman believes the economy will be the number one issue in the fall campaign and says his business background gives him a better feel for what average Louisvillians are feeling during the economic downturn. Thieneman points to his campaign against the library tax as proof that he's more in touch with average Louisvillians than Northup or Yarmuth. He says there's too much big money in politics and says we'll all be "amazed by what $50,000 and the truth will get you." The filing deadline for all 2008 political offices is January 29th.