DCCC: Gerlach move ‘doesn’t change our focus’

In the wake of Congressman Jim Gerlach’s (R-6) withdrawal from the gubernatorial race Thursday, and the likelihood that he would seek reelection to a seat that Democrats have been eager to pick up, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sought to play down any change in the political climate.

“The 6th district is one of our top pick up opportunities regardless of whether or not Jim Gerlach decides to run for re-election,” DCCC spokesman Shripal Shah said in a statement. “Democrats have a strong slate of candidates in the district who are committed to turning the page on the George Bush economic agenda that Republicans like Jim Gerlach have come to epitomize. The suspension of his gubernatorial campaign doesn’t change our focus moving forward.”

Reports emerging Thursday evening indicated that Gerlach will announce whether or not he’ll seek reelection in the next few days.