Cohen: Gerlach’s been ‘an outstanding congressman’

Like all the other Republicans running in the 6th Congressional District, Howard Cohen says he’s waiting on Jim Gerlach before deciding what to do. Cohen, a former Revenue Secretary in the Thornburgh administration, had nothing but praise for Gerlach shortly after the incumbent congressman dropped out of the governor’s race Thursday. He is likely seeking reelection.

“Jim Gerlach has been an outstanding Congressman serving the citizens of the Pennsylvania Sixth District, I have supported Jim every time he ran,” Cohen said. “When he announced that he was running for Governor, I went through a deliberative process that included consulting with many friends and individuals who know the district and know me, including Jim Gerlach. I also looked at others who were running, and I concluded that I could do the job better than those who were running, or those who were planning to run.

“I am in this race until my Congressman, Jim Gerlach, makes a decision as to whether he will run for reelection. At that time, I will make a decision as to whether I continue my campaign. I want to serve the citizens of the 6th District and as I have said many times, I am ready to go to work for them on day one.”

State Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) has indicated he may stay in the race even if Gerlach runs again. An aide to another GOP front-runner, businessman Steven Welch, could not be immediately reached Thursday evening.