Posted on 01/07/2010 7:45:10 PM PST by Big E
Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) dropped out of the race for governor Thursday, drastically shuffling the political landscape and effectively making state Attorney General Tom Corbett the GOP’s presumptive nominee.
Gerlach’s made his announcement in a statement late Thursday afternoon as rumors of his impending withdrawal swirled among party insiders. While there was widespread speculation that he would seek reelection to Congress, his four paragraph statement only alluded to a vow to “continue public service.”
“I entered the race for Governor in order to continue my public service, put forth new ideas for creating jobs, protecting our taxpayers, families and seniors and reinvigorating the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that we all love so much,” Gerlach said. “I am not giving up on achieving those goals. I am, however, ending my campaign for governor.”
Gerlach said his campaign had raised more than $1 million, but lamented that “today’s media-driven campaigns require four times that amount to wage a successful primary.”
“That left me with two choices: either spend all of my time raising money with little time left for meeting with voters; or withdrawing my candidacy and working even harder to serve the public,” he said. “I am choosing to serve the public—many of whom have graciously rewarded me with their support for nearly two decades.”
Gerlach was already considered an underdog against Corbett, who is supported by much of the party leadership. But he had vowed to run a competitive campaign, and some public polling had showed a winnable—thought very difficult—race. State Representative Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) remains in the race but was seen as a long-shot candidate even when Gerlach promised to split some of the vote.
If Gerlach decides to seek reelection in the 6th District, it will further shake up the landscape. Almost half-a-dozen Republicans are vying for the party’s nomination to succeed him, and Democrats were looking forward to their best chance at capturing the district since it was created in redistricting almost a decade ago.
Aides to Gerlach could be immediately reached to comment on his intentions. But a campaign spokesman told CQ Politics that Gerlach “has not ruled anything out,” and his campaign manager told Pennsylvania Public Radio that a decision would come in “the next few days.”
Schwartz is just an abortion harpy, even more than a socialist.
Unfortunately, that is my district. I still don’t think she lives in it. She owns a house in Mt. Airy in Philadelphia, and “rented” an apartment in Jenkintown to establish residency.
PA-13 was lost to Democrats in 1992, I believe, in that redistricting. The Republicans (RINO’s really) winning it twice in the late 1990’s was a fluke.
The basis of population in the district (the lean Democrat areas of NE Philly mostly + Abington) no longer lean Republican, and haven’t since at least 1998.
Given I’ve never heard of the guy, not really suprising he’s out of the race. Corbett all but has the Republican primary locked up unless something drastic happens... I live in PA, and honestly could not name you any other republican that was seeking the position.
The dems are going to empthy their guns at Corbett because he went after the corruption in the state house, but at this point I couldn’t even tell you whos running on the D side for this position.
I think Corbett will likely win, Rendell’s been a disaster and most folks in the state are sick of him. I can’t see the state not voting for change in the Governorship this fall.
Time will tell.
Hopefully, PA will be a continuation of the repudiation of the spenders, a la this year’s results in VA and NJ.
Schwarz took the cowardly route and held a conference call town hall meeting last Summer.
When she does personal appearances she usually goes to safe places like the Orleans Institute. She only represents her very left wing constituents.
My district too. Between Schwartz, Casey and Specter I have absolutely no representation of my views in DC.
My only bright spot is Greenleaf in the PA Senate. He's basically OK. Taylor in the PA House seems to me to get more sleazy with every passing day - maybe it's the company he keeps.
Ain’t that the truth.
Rohrer would be great! He’s got backbone.
Hi, Big E. He’s mine as well. Yes indeed he is a ditw RINO
met another guy worth considering yesterday Sam Rohrer, former AG.
true, Ghost.
Rohrer lives down the road from me in Elverson. He’s been a solid conservative for his entire tenure in the Legislature. He’s crusade has been property tax reform. In other words, why do I have to pay a ridiculous amount of money to the school district every year, when renters pay nothing?
BTW, it was announced today Gerlach will run for re-election as Representative in PA-6. Whatta surprise. I don’t know if I’ll support him yet. I didn’t vote for him in 2008 due to his bailout cave-in. He’s been a semi-reliable vote this session, voted against Stimulus, Cap & Tax, Obamacare, but voted for Cash-for-Clunkers. Ironically, if President McCain was proposing McCaincare and Cap & Tax, I’m sure he would have been first in line with an “AYE” vote.
I was impressed with him yesterday, but I always reserve jugement for a bit.
Oh yeah, Rohrer is the real deal, and I guarantee he’d be an excellent governor. He’s got a huge uphill battle, though. He has to get his hands on a bunch of money fast, or he has no chance. The primary is May 18, 2010. I don’t know much about Corbett, except he’s backed by the GOP establishment, which I assume automatically makes him a RINO. The problem is, he has all positives, and few negatives. People know his name, but don’t know what he stands for. So he can say whatever he wants, and once elected, do whatever he wants. He’ll campaign right, and move left when elected.
Surely the landlord pays property tax, which is then embedded in the rent charged to tenants.
Being that he is in the state legislature he only knows that food comes from lobbyists at the best restaurants in Harrisburg.
Dee Adcock - Job Creator (YouTube video)
Great website covering Allyson Schwartz's hijinks:
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.