Two local Democrats are challenging the Republican incumbents to represent Centre County in the Pennsylvania General Assembly -- and Penn State funding is an issue at the forefront of the campaigns.

Incumbent state Rep. Lynn Herman of the 77th District serves on both the House education committee and subcommittee for higher education. Herman said his service ensures the area a strong voice for higher education in Harrisburg.

"I am a strong advocate for increased funding for Penn State, and because I believe the investment provides a quality education and stimulates economic development," he said.

Herman is an advocate for extending the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) grants to a fifth year. He was honored by the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) on Aug. 31 for his advocacy of Penn State.

"Every dollar invested in higher education returns five to the state and local economy," Herman said.

Herman's Democratic challenger Jon Eich sees himself as a leader who has already initiated reform throughout the state. Eich said he was an early advocate of state funding to clean up the acid rock drainage that is appearing in domestic water wells around I-99 construction sites.

Eich sees the I-99 clean up as the most pressing issue at the time; however, he said funding for Penn State has not kept up with the rising costs of tuition.

"On a per-student basis, Penn State gets the least amount of funding of the four state-related institutions. I would like to turn that around and at least make the funding equal," Eich said.

Democrat Rich Rogers is challenging Republican incumbent state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff in the 171st District.

Rogers has served on the Bellefonte Area School District Board of Directors and has a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Juniata College.

Rogers said he wishes to cut what he sees as frivolous spending in the state by analyzing existing governmental programs.

Rogers said he hopes to increase funding for education with the money saved.

A member of the Bellefonte Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Benninghoff has worked on issues dealing with date- rape drugs.

Benninghoff, a former Penn State student, was sent a letter by Penn State President Graham Spanier thanking all representatives for funding above what Penn State originally had included in its budget from earlier this year.

College Democrats chair Megan Green said she would like to see the winners of the upcoming election concentrate on issues concerning Penn State. Green said she sees the election as an important opportunity for Democrats to take power in the state Legislature.

Currently the Republicans have more members and control the legislative agenda.

"Centre County has been going increasingly Democrat the last couple of elections. I think any Democrat that runs for office is going to have a very good chance in Centre County," Green said.

College Republicans chair Andy Banducci said Republicans are motivated because of the presidential election this year. However, Banducci said the College Republicans will not forget the local and state elections.

"We are going out, door-to-door, volunteer functions and phone banking. We are going to help everyone on the tickets this year," Banducci said.