Jim Gerlach to challenge Specter in 2010?

[Keystone Phil]

This seems very odd. Unless there is some extreme personal dislike that I don't know about, this seems very unlikely. Gerlach is a more center-right Republican - the type that might not agree with Specter on everything but doesn't disagree with him enough to consider a challenge.

It looks like Gerlach has statewide ambition so I guess it's not that insane but the last we heard was that he wanted to run for Governor. If Toomey doesn't run, I'd back Gerlach. I like the guy and he could take down Specter. He'd also be an excellent General election candidate.


http://www.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/1603/specter-expects-primary-challenge-whom-will-it-be

[Keystone Phil]

Gerlach has an incentive to do something, since his seat is so marginal, and he could lose it at any time, and has to work his butt off to hold it. But I can't imagine how Gerlach could be electable in the General if he took out Specter in a primary.

How he'd be electable? Gerlach appeals to the types of Republicans that might have been pissed at someone like Toomey knocking off Specter. Gerlach isn't polarizing (contrary to PA 6 results and especially not among Republicans). He wouldn't get destroyed in the SE and he's conservative enough to kick ass in the areas that he would need to win huge.

[Keystone Phil]

Gerlach has an incentive to do something, since his seat is so marginal, and he could lose it at any time, and has to work his butt off to hold it. But I can't imagine how Gerlach could be electable in the General if he took out Specter in a primary.

How he'd be electable? Gerlach appeals to the types of Republicans that might have been pissed at someone like Toomey knocking off Specter. Gerlach isn't polarizing (contrary to PA 6 results and especially not among Republicans). He wouldn't get destroyed in the SE and he's conservative enough to kick ass in the areas that he would need to win huge.

     I have a great deal of respect for Gerlach. I'd love to see him in the Senate, though I don't know how well he'd run against Specter.

He wouldn't excite conservatives like Toomey would but he'd also bring in some more moderate Republicans that might be ready to move past the Specter days. It would be interesting but it's probably not happening anyway.