Jay Paterno may challenge Glenn Thompson for Congress HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Jay Paterno, son of the late Joe Paterno, who was Penn State football coach, may challenge U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., Democratic party figures said. Jay Paterno hasn't confirmed his plans, but Centre County and state Democratic officials said they've spoken to him about running in next year's election and expect him to make a decision in about a month. During a speech Oct. 6 at the Centre County Democratic Dinner, state Treasurer Rob McCord encouraged Paterno, who was at the dinner, to run, The Patriot News of Harrisburg, Pa., reported. "Jay is a smart, capable leader who really wants to help people," McCord said later through a campaign spokesman. I believe he would win that congressional seat and make a great member of Congress. I'd love to see him get in that race. Joe Paterno died in 2012.