Two Republicans have joined state Rep. Mark Mustio as they fight to replace outgoing state Sen. John Pippy.

D. Raja, the Mt. Lebanon businessman who unsuccessfully ran for Allegheny County chief executive and Bethel Park native Sue Means will go against Mustio in the Republican primary for Pennsylvania’s 37^th Senate District. No Democrats filed, meaning the primary likely will decide the winner of the seat.

Mustio is also seeking re-election in the state house.

Means, a longtime grassroots activist and educator, touted her 27 years of experience in advocating limited government and her commitment to being a "citizen legislator" rather than a career politician.

"We need legislators whose main goal is to serve the people, rather than pursue a career," she said in a statement. "That’s why I have pledged to serve no more than two terms in Harrisburg and not to accept a public pension for my service."

Means also said she will push to return Pennsylvania's General Assembly to a part-time body. Formerly a neurosurgical nurse at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Means began her grassroots career as a leader in the successful effort to pass a statewide homeschooling law.

Check out our complete 2012 Primary Election Guide

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