Pike rolls out endorsements, fundraising numbers

On a day when incumbent Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) is expected to announce a gubernatorial bid, the Democrat who seeks to replace him rolled out a series of endorsements and said he had $630,000 in campaign cash.

Former Inquirer editorial writer Doug Pike’s campaign said he has been endorsed by a number of current and former southeast Pennsylvania elected officials, including state Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), state Representative Josh Shapiro, and former gubernatorial candidate Lynn Yeakel. The endorsements are yet another sign that Pike could walk away with the Democratic nomination largely unopposed, a good start for a party hoping to capture the 6th District seat after several close tries.

“I am honored to have these Democratic leaders standing with me in my campaign for Congress—especially this early,” Pike said in a statement. “We are going to bring change to the 6th District next year.”

See the campaign’s full release below:

Doug Pike Announces Key Democratic Endorsements
Reports $630,000 Cash-On-Hand

Ardmore, PA-Today Pike for Congress is announcing 7 key Democratic endorsements in the race for U.S. Congress in the 6th District of Pennsylvania.

State Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware Counties)
State Representative Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery County)
Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt
Berks County Recorder of Deeds Frederick Sheeler
Montgomery County Coroner Walter Hofman, M.D.
Former U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial Candidate Lynn Yeakel
Former Montgomery County Commissioner Ruth Damsker

“I am honored to have these Democratic leaders standing with me in my campaign for Congress — especially this early,” said Doug Pike, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. “We are going to bring change to the 6th District next year.”

“In Washington, Doug will work closely with the Obama administration to repair our economy, broaden access to health care and represent the best interests of all Pennsylvanians,” said Sen. Leach. “I am particularly enthusiastic about Doug’s commitment to public service and reform. His experience and character make him well-suited to the task, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

After three months in the race, Pike will report nearly $630,000 cash-on-hand to the Federal Election Commission. Early financial backers include U.S. Reps. Patrick Murphy and Allyson Schwartz and the United Food & Commercial Workers.

Doug Pike served on the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Inquirer for 14 years and he served as the chairman of the board at a hospital and nursing care facility for 10 years. Previously, Pike served as a Special Assistant and Speechwriter for U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas. In 1971, Pike graduated with honors from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He lives in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County.

The 6th District encompasses parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties.