Rep. Jim Gerlach Drops Out of Gubernatorial Race, Citing High Campaign Costs

Strategic Insights -

Jan. 8, 2010 - Harrisburg, PA - Rep. Jim Gerlach has dropped out of the Republican primary for governor, citing the high cost of "media-driven" campaigns as a major obstacle. With Gerlach's exit, Attorney General Tom Corbett is now the front-runner for the Republican nomination in the May 18 primary election against state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County.

Gerlach's decision to withdraw from the race was reportedly made after consulting with his family, staff members, and supporters. Despite raising over $1 million and signing up more than 19,000 campaign volunteers, Gerlach stated that the high costs of modern campaigns, requiring four times the amount of money he had raised, made it difficult to continue his candidacy.

The Central Pennsylvania Caucus, set to take a nonbinding vote on the candidates before the party's endorsement next month, is seen as a crucial test for Corbett's chances. Allegheny County Republican Chairman Jim Roddey stated that Corbett is the "odds-on favorite in every one of the caucuses," and Roddey's assessment is shared by Dick Stewart, chairman of the Central Pennsylvania Caucus.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Jim Gerlach has withdrawn from the Republican primary for governor, citing high campaign costs.
  • Attorney General Tom Corbett is now the front-runner for the Republican nomination in the May 18 primary election.
  • Gerlach raised over $1 million and signed up more than 19,000 campaign volunteers, but ultimately decided to withdraw from the race.
  • The Central Pennsylvania Caucus will take a nonbinding vote on the candidates before the party's endorsement next month.
  • Corbett is seen as the "odds-on favorite" in every one of the caucuses, according to leaders such as Allegheny County Republican Chairman Jim Roddey.
  • Gerlach's decision to withdraw from the race has sparked speculation about his future plans, including whether he will run for re-election to his congressional seat.

Statistics:

  • Over $1 million was raised by Rep. Jim Gerlach during his gubernatorial campaign.
  • More than 19,000 campaign volunteers were signed up by Gerlach's campaign.
  • A Dec. 18 Quinnipiac University poll showed Corbett leading Gerlach, 38 percent to 12 percent.
  • The May 18 primary election is the date for the Republican primary election.

Sources:

  • The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
  • Quinnipiac University poll, December 18, 2009