Gerlach: My opponents have no voting record to judge

Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) says voters should view the fact that his likely gubernatorial opponents have no voting record as evidence of their inexperience for the state’s executive office.

In an interview with The Bulletin, a conservative newspaper in Philadelphia, Gerlach framed himself as a moderate whose stance on issues is clearly laid out in his record, whereas his opponents come from a law enforcement background that should give voters pause.

Gerlach is also considering a run for Senate, but his likely primary opponents for the governor’s race are both career prosecutors. Tom Corbett is the state Attorney General and Pat Meehan is a former U.S. Attorney.

“We don’t know where they are on key issues such as economic development, energy, health care and the environment,” Gerlach told The Bulletin. “These are areas that are important to our families and our communities.

“I’ve got over 18 years experience,” Gerlach added. “My record is very clear about lowering taxes, creating jobs, protecting the environment by pushing for open space and farmland preservation, and advocating energy independence. We don’t know where Mr. Corbett and Mr. Meehan stand.”

Gerlach was also explicit in describing himself as more moderate than the man he would have to beat if he opts to run for Senate instead, Republican Pat Toomey.

“I have a more moderate, more centrist voting record overall, when you compare our voting scores as published by National Journal,” Gerlach said. “I’m sure I have a much more middle-of-the-road approach to things. From that perspective, we would be able to find a number of clear differences between Mr. Toomey and myself.”