Laura Vecsey's Blog

Middle Ground

Gerlach scoring points on the campaign trail

In Jim Gerlach’s address to the Pennsylvania Press Club, the congressman showed some energy and conviction when he spouted some Republican Party talking points about limited government, economic development and tax reform.

And while it’s tough to be enamored with a guy who told a story about how dentists and doctors did not charge his mother for medical care after Gerlach’s father was killed by a drunk driver and yet voted against health care reform, Gerlach could definitely present a significant obstacle for Tom Corbett.

On Monday, Gerlach again hit hard on the theme that state GOP leaders have cleared the field in an attempt to anoint Corbett as the party’s sole choice for governor in 2010. But Gerlach will have none of it, and he seems to make an impression on audiences who get a chance to hear him in person.

This is a good sign for a guy who announced his gubernatorial run from his Washington office, leaving some to wonder how a Pennsylvania native could whiff on a chance to make that kind of statement in his hometown in western Pennsylvania or his adopted home in Chester County.

At any rate, if I were Gerlach, I would try and book myself in for interviews with every editorial board across the state. There are many others involved in the process of shaping public opinion besides GOP officials, and many others in the wider world of politics are convinced, as Gerlach is, that Corbett does have a conflict of interest issue with his investigation and prosecution of state lawmakers.

It may not be enough to overcome the money and support Corbett has amassed. Corbett has endorsements from Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker and Dick Thornburgh, but this is the season for grassroots campaigns. And with his experience in the state legislature and in Congress, Gerlach seems to hit a nerve with people who hear him, regardless of party affiliation.

With conservative Sam Rohrer also in the race, Corbett’s anointment is on hold until the May primary. For anyone who likes real competition, the Republicans now have some of what the Democratic gubernatorial field has: choice.