Gerlach says he’s ready for whichever Dem wins

CHESTER SPRINGS—With Democrats battling it out for a chance to take him on, Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) sounded confident Tuesday that he’ll win another term in November.

In a brief interview after he cast his vote here, Gerlach told pa2010.com that he feels good about his chances in the general election—regardless of which Democrat prevails Tuesday. Gerlach is expected to cruise against underdog Tea Party candidate Patrick Sellers in the Republican primary.

With the political climate working against Democrats, Gerlach said, voters will be apt to reelection a congressman from the minority party. And Gerlach said his office’s constituent service efforts have been considerable.

“We’re not in charge of anything in Washington,” Gerlach said. “I think most discerning voters look at who’s in charge.”

Former Inquirer editorial writer Doug Pike and Reading doctor Manan Trivedi are competing in the Democratic primary. Though most Republicans say Trivedi is a more potent general election candidate, Gerlach would not say which of the two he would rather face in November. Even some Democrats are skeptical of their party’s chances at unseating the incumbent, who has held off fierce challenges in political climates far more hostile to Republicans.

The suburban Philadelphia district is ranked No. 6 on the pa2010.com Congressional Power Rankings.