Day: January 8, 2010

Gerlach To Try To Keep His Congressional Seat

Congressman Jim Gerlach (R) has made it official that he will seek re-election to represent Pa6.

Gerlach had announced he was leaving congress to seek the governor’s office and several Republicans candidates lined up to replace him in what otherwise would have been an uncontested primary.

Yesterday, Gerlach said he ending his campaign for governor . Today, he said that he was going to try to keep his seat in congress.

Reports are that his strongest opponents — venture capitalist Steve Welch and state Rep. Curt Schroder (R-155) — are staying in the race.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has announced that it is supporting Gerlach.

The 6th District is an obviously gerrymanded one –and by the Republicans. It includes Lower Merion in Montgomery County, Coatesville and Yellow Springs in Chester County, a large part of Berks County and part of Lehigh County.

Kudos to Nathan Benefield for the tip.

Killion Drops Lt. Gov. Bid

State Rep. Thomas Killion (R-168) announced today that he is ending his bid for lieutenant governor. He said he will support the gubernatorial campaign of Pa. Attorney General Tom Corbett. Still in the race for the GOP nomination are:

Carol Aichele (Chester County Commissioner)
Bruce L. Castor Jr. (ex-Montco D.A.)
James F. Cawley (Bucks County Commissioner)
Russ Diamond (founder of  PACleanSweep)
Dominic D. “Nick” DiFrancesco II (Dauphin County Commissioner)
John H. Eichelberger, Jr. (state senator representing the 30th District)
James R. Matthews (Montco Commissioner, last GOP Lt. Gov candidate, Chris Matthews’ brother)
Frank L. Rizzo Jr. (Philly councilman, son of legendary mayor)
Rick Schenker (former Erie County executive)
Mike Turzai (state representative for the 28th District)
Joseph P. Watkins (pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, the oldest African American Lutheran Church in Philadelphia)

Seeking the Democratic nod are:

Michael F. “Mike” Gerber (state representative for the 148th District)
Valerie McDonald Roberts (Allegheny County recorder of deeds)
Jonathan A. Saidel (former Philadelphia city controller)
Josh Shapiro (state representative for the 153rd District)
Doris Smith-Ribner (former Commonwealth Court judge)

The primary election is May 18.

Sestak Says Dems Not Transparent; Votes Anyway

Congressman Joe “Clueless” Sestak told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the Democrats in Washington are a “real disappointment”

“We aren’t transparent, not just to the public but at times to the members,” Sestak said.

And this makes one wonder why Sestak still votes for this stuff — whether it be on socialized health care, public funding of abortions or draconian energy restrictions.

In fact, he might be the most reliable vote Nancy Pelosi has.

And Joe, you are a Democrat in Washington.