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FRIDAY LEFTOVERS: Specter the Dem campaigner, Gerlach’s pledge and another opponent for Schwartz

When Senator Arlen Specter defected to the Democrats earlier this year, we wondered whether down-ballot candidates in his new party would trot him out to lend a campaigning hand.

Well, an e-mail that slipped by us at pa2010.com Central shows that yes, indeed they will, and Specter will oblige. Anne Scheuring, who is running in the special election for Montgomery County’s 24th senatorial District, is having a brunch reception and fundraiser Sunday, with Specter as the “honored guest.”

One can only assume that Scheuring is not a Joe Sestak supporter.

Meanwhile, Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) continues to make his case early and often that he’s the “governance candidate” in the gubernatorial race. On Thursday, he announced a detailed “Pledge to Pennsylvania,” a grab-bag of ideas for accountability and fiscal responsibility which his campaign called a “bold agenda for first 60 days in governor’s office that will help create jobs, shake up status quo in Harrisburg and empower citizens.”

It includes everything from spending caps, government audits and tax cuts to promises on infrastructure, infrastructure and health care.

“This contract represents some common-sense goals for putting the interests of the people of Pennsylvania before politics,” Gerlach said. “In total, these ideas send a very clear message that the days of rewarding failure, ignoring runaway spending and tolerating a lack of accountability in Harrisburg are over.”

Not much would qualify as a new idea from the policy standpoint, but with state Attorney General Tom Corbett tied up in Bonusgate business, the message Gerlach is trying to send it quite clear. You can see the Gerlach campaign’s full release here.

And lastly, if dentist Damian Dachowski wants to be the Republican candidate against Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-13) next year, he has at least one opponent to get past. Attorney Josh Quinter filed paperwork for the race Thursday. The Harleysville resident promises a “strong and principled campaign.”

“I believe that in these difficult times we need real leadership in Washington that is unafraid to stand up to special interests, applies common sense solutions, and will work hard to solve our nation’s problems,” Quinter said in announcing his candidacy.

Have a good weekend political junkies. Be sure to log-on Monday morning for coverage of Pat Meehan announcing his Congressional candidacy.

September 11, 2009 at 1:50 pm

--Dan Hirschhorn

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