The West Chester Daily Local News is reporting that a three-way primary battle is shaping up among Democrats to challenge Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-6th District.The candidate getting the most attention is Bog Roggio, a retired Chester County business executive who received the Chester County Democratic Party's endorsement to take on Gerlach.
But two other Democrats told the newspaper they plan to stay in the race through the April 22 primary.
Those candidates are Mike Leibowitz, a developer from Lower Merion, and Bob Rovner, an attorney from Lower Merion who once served as a state senator in Bucks County.
The 6th District stretches across three suburban Philadelphia counties: Montgomery, Chester and Berks.
Gerlach has faced three tough elections to hold the 6th District for the GOP, but he appears to be in the strongest position in years.
Not only does he have a lead in fundraising, but he's moved away from President Bush to a more moderate voting record. His last opponent, Lois Murphy, based her entire campaign in 2004 and 2006 on Gerlach being a pawn of George W. Bush.
That won't stick in 2008.
Gerlach told the Daily Local News he's familiar with Democratic rhetoric that attempts to tie him to President Bush.
"That's been the Democrats' strategy in the last three cycles, and it hasn't worked," Gerlach said. "I'm one of the most independent members of the House. It's clear that the Democrats are grasping at straws."
As evidence of his independence, the newspaper says, Gerlach cited his vote in favor of a bill that would fund stem cell research and his vote to override the president's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
"I have this question for my potential opponents," Gerlach said. "What will you do differently than Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats' do-nothing Congress?"
If Democrats can't run against George W. Bush this November, where does that leave them?
With Gerlach winning reelection to a fourth term.
In fact, Rovner was quoted in a local newspaper as saying, "I have nothing bad to say about Jim Gerlach."
That kinda defeats the purpose of running against Gerlach, doesn't it?
1 comment:
LOL, of course Bob Rovner has nothing bad to say...he used to be a Republican who lived in Bucks County. Is it true Bob has more skeletons in his closet then Ed Rendell? And Mike Liebowitz - he tried this once before, remember? He has no money, or he didn't last time...no visibility..
Bog Roggio? Is that even a real name? What brand of hayseed is he?
Could it be considered Jim Gerlach's biggest problem could be what some consider his staffers non responsive and that some parts of his district haven't really seen him since the last time he won? Easily remedied of course, if he gets the joke.
Gerlach is a good guy, hope he survives tweedle dum and tweedle dee
can't believe Rovner is running for something again...what a JOKE
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