An Emmaus Borough Councilman says the rumors that he has been approached by the Democratic Party to run for the 134^th Congressional seat in the November general election are just that  – rumors.

Wesley Barrett, who in addition to sitting on Emmaus Borough Council runs several Emmaus-based businesses under the company name Wesley Works, Inc., says he is appreciative that he is being talked about as the potential Democratic contender in the 134^th race against Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the fall.

"I'm flattered that my name continually comes up in discussion about who will fill this seat,” Barrett wrote in an email statement to Emmaus Patch, “but it is nothing more than rumor. I have two babies at home, multiple rapidly growing businesses, and already have substantial time commitments to the Borough of Emmaus as a Councilman and other boards and committees I sit on.

“However for the sake of conversation,” Barrett wrote, “it would be a great race and probably the most ‘youthful’ in the state. The business/community man vs. the perceived political spot filler."

The Democratic slot on the November ballot became open about three weeks ago when Lower Macungie Democrat Patrick Slattery pulled out of the race in the 134th District, citing personal and professional issues. Slattery lost a bid for that same seat against Mackenzie during a May special election called to see who would complete the unexpired term of former Rep. Doug Reichley. Reichley left state politics to become a Lehigh County judge.

The Democratic Party has until August 7 to name a candidate to oppose Mackenzie. Otherwise, the Republican will run an uncontested race.