Congressman Shuster Endorses Gerlach for Governor

By GERLACH FOR PA

(Exton, PA) – United States Congressman Bill Shuster announced today that he is endorsing Jim Gerlach in next year’s gubernatorial election. Shuster, a five-term Blair County Congressman who serves as Deputy Republican Whip, represents 15 counties in central and southwestern Pennsylvania.

“Having worked closely with Jim during our time in Congress I know that he has the work ethic, experience and guiding principles that resonate with the citizens of central and western Pennsylvania,” Shuster said. “Jim is a results-oriented legislator who is always looking for ways to create opportunities and a better life for Pennsylvania’s working families.”

“The kind of dedication Jim brings to the table is exactly what we need right now in Harrisburg. Jim won’t stop fighting to make our state a better place to live and do business,” Shuster added. “That is why I am proud to support his campaign for governor of Pennsylvania.”

Shuster serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the House Committee on Natural Resources, which crafts policy for important Pennsylvania energy resources like coal.

“I am excited to have Congressman Shuster as an early partner in our statewide efforts,” said Gerlach. “Bill’s leadership will be a tremendous asset for us, not only in reaching out to central Pennsylvania communities and leaders, but also helping to shape our ideas for effectively cutting state spending, creating jobs and improving our communities.”

Jim Gerlach grew up in the western Pennsylvania steel town of Ellwood City. Like Shuster, Gerlach graduated from Dickinson College. Gerlach later received a law degree from Dickinson School of Law. Over the years Gerlach has built a solid record on fiscal issues in the state legislature and Congress, including voting for the Republican tax relief of 2003, leading welfare reform initiatives under Governor Tom Ridge, and after voting against President Obama’s stimulus package in February, demanded independent oversight of Pennsylvania’s stimulus funding – a commission later created by Governor Rendell. Gerlach announced his candidacy for Governor July 14th and is the only announced Republican candidate for the nomination.

Jim Gerlach was elected to Congress in 2002 and is now serving his fourth term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. The district is now a majority Democrat district by over 24,000 registrations. In 2006 alone, with the assistance of extremist groups like MoveOn.org and Acorn, national Democrats pegged Gerlach as their #1 target and spent over $7.5 million to defeat him in a losing effort.

A copy of Gerlach’s full biography can be found at www.gerlachforpa.com/biography .

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August 13, 2009 at 12:49 pm

--pa2010.com Staff