Gerlach puts out feeler

Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) appears to be actively exploring a run for Senate after issuing a statement saying he will examine “future opportunities to serve.”

Gerlach has said as much in response to reporters’ inquiries since Sen. Arlen Specter’s switch from Republican to Democrat. But that fact that his campaign is proactively talking about it means he’s happy to have his name included in the discussion.

“I will continue to travel the Commonwealth considering future opportunities to serve, while listening and promoting a Republican rebirth in Pennsylvania to rebuild our Party into one of the people, by the people and for the people,” Gerlach said.

He acknowledged to loss of GOP registration in the state, which Specter cited as a big reason for his party switch.

“The reason for the decline is not a result of any one thing, person, or election, but rather Republicans forgetting what the Party must represent to voters if we are going to win statewide elections,”
Gerlach said. “We’ve forgotten that, above all, the Pennsylvania Republican Party must be the party of new ideas and solutions for smaller, more efficient government, and advocate for policies that encourage job creation, educational opportunities, retirement security, and a quality of life second to none for all of our citizens.”

Former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) jumped in the Senate race in part because his odds in that primary appeared far better than in the GOP gubernatorial primary, and Gerlach might now come to the same conclusion with state Attorney General Tom Corbett (R) looking very strong in the governor’s race.

For Gerlach, who has had to fight hard for his House seat every cycle, the decision to leave that behind is probably easier than for just about anybody else.

-Aaron Blake