Elizabethan Era. In a crowded field of Republicans looking to take on Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), at least two — both of whom are considered the front-runners — have their consulting teams in place.

Elizabeth Emken, vice president of the group Autism Speaks, has tapped veteran Pennsylvania operative Vince Galko to be her senior adviser for her first congressional race. Emken has hired Craig Snyder of IKON Public Affairs to be her general consultant, fellow Pennsylvania media guru Chris Mottola in charge of media, Tony Fabrizio to do polling, Mindy Finn of Engage for online strategy and Andrew Theodore of The Theodore Company for national fundraising.