Jake Towne, a Lehigh Valley native and Lehigh University graduate from Nazareth who spent the past four years in Shanghai, China, as a chemical engineer in the semiconductor industry, declared his candidacy in May 2009 for United States Congress in the 15th District which covers Northampton, almost all of Lehigh, and parts of Berks and Montgomery counties.

Running without a political party affiliation as a true independent, Towne's message is that by protecting individual liberties, defending economic freedoms and promoting peace, the end result is prosperity. Towne favors a restoration of the Republic and a return to the rule of law per the United States Constitution and believes the integrity of our dollar currency is a critical and pressing issue.

Towne also plans to implement a novel Open Office method of open government if elected. The heart of this idea is an online public forum belonging to residents who could comment and offer opinions on legislation, submit bill proposals, and reports phone and letter feedback. His campaign website, TowneForCongress.com, has debate and discussion features enabled for any visitors.