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Meehan and Welch will meet soon, source says

Now that former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan seems likely to run for Congress in the 7th District, he and Republican candidate Steven Welch are planning to meet in the coming days, according to a Welch campaign insider.

Welch has already declared his candidacy for the GOP nomination. But with deep roots in Delaware County and extensive political ties throughout the state, Meehan is widely considered, by Republicans and Democrats alike, to be a stronger candidate. Rumors were swirling Friday evening that the Meehan campaign was merely putting off an announcement of his candidacy by saying he was “strongly considering” it, and that he is now almost certain to run for the seat being vacated by Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7).

But Meehan and Welch are said to have a good relationship. Welch gave money to Meehan’s exploratory campaign for governor, and the two have spoken on more than one occasion about Welch’s candidacy. Though the Welch campaign insider wasn’t specific about the substance of the planned meeting, which is still unscheduled but will happen soon, it seems quite possible that if Meehan gets in, Welch will get out.

“All Republicans agree that the 7th District is a district that represents working-class values, investment in the community and creating jobs,” the campaign insider said. “Pat and Steve have the same philosophy, that we have to turn this economy around

“Steve and Pat both agree that at the end of the day, we have to get back to responsible government.” the campaign insider added. “We’ll see what happens. It’s very fluid.”

August 7, 2009 at 8:35 pm

--Dan Hirschhorn

Tags: PA-7, Pat Meehan, Steven Welch

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