Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Scranton Endorses Gerlach

By GERLACH FOR PA

(Exton, PA) – Former Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Bill Scranton announced today that he is endorsing Jim Gerlach in next year’s gubernatorial election. Scranton made history when he became the youngest elected lieutenant governor, serving with Gov. Dick Thornburgh, from 1979 to 1987.

“Jim Gerlach is the only candidate with the right experience and bold vision to lead Pennsylvania,” Scranton said. “With his western Pennsylvania roots and more than 18 years of exemplary public service in southeastern Pennsylvania, Jim has a unique perspective on how to help every corner of our Commonwealth thrive.”

“Jim is committed to growing Pennsylvania by making changes to our business tax code that will attract and retain entrepreneurs, small business owners and other job creators. He has creative ideas for ending wasteful spending, making sure taxpayers get the most out of state government, and bringing much-needed reform to Harrisburg.”

“Jim Gerlach is a proven winner. He has won tough election battles time and again because of his incredible work ethic and willingness to listen to the needs of his constituents and put their interests first. That’s why I proudly support his candidacy and look forward to working to help Jim become Pennsylvania’s next governor.”

Jim Gerlach grew up in the western Pennsylvania steel town of Ellwood City. Gerlach graduated from Dickinson College and received a law degree from Dickinson School of Law. Over the years Gerlach has built a solid record on fiscal issues in the state legislature and Congress, including voting for the Republican tax relief of 2003, leading welfare reform initiatives under Governor Tom Ridge, and after voting against President Obama’s stimulus package in February, demanded independent oversight of Pennsylvania’s stimulus funding – a commission later created by Governor Rendell. Gerlach announced his candidacy for Governor July 14th and is the only announced Republican candidate for the nomination.

Jim Gerlach was elected to Congress in 2002 and is now serving his fourth term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. The district is now a majority Democrat district by over 24,000 registrations. In 2006 alone, with the assistance of extremist groups like MoveOn.org and Acorn, national Democrats pegged Gerlach as their #1 target and spent over $7.5 million to defeat him in a losing effort.

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