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Gerlach leads money race, but Trivedi on the move

Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) is continuing to rebuild his campaign coffers after an aborted gubernatorial run, and has raised more than $1 million since deciding to seek reelection early this year. But he has also spent heavily, and after Democrat Manan Trivedi had by far his best fundraising period of the campaign, the money race is the 6th Congressional District is surprisingly close.

Gerlach still holds a formidable lead, with $541,000 in the bank compared to Trivedi’s war chest of almost $329,000. But Trivedi, a Reading doctor, appears to have come on fast since an upset win in the Democratic primary. The $356,000 he raised between April 29 and June 30 was significantly better than his previous hauls. Some of it is surely the low-hanging fruit of Democratic donors who had backed his primary opponent Doug Pike. But the strong showing could ultimately encourage other donors to pitch in for a district in which Gerlach has repeatedly held off Democratic challengers.

Gerlach raised about $430,000 during the period, according to his campaign finance report. But despite not having a competitive primary opponent, he spent about $152,000. All told, his campaign has shelled out almost $420,000 since he got back into the race. Much of that money has been spent on fundraising costs and commissions, and on the services of his longtime political strategist Mark Campbell. Gerlach’s campaign has also spent more than $23,000 on polling and more than $27,000 on direct mail. The campaign made a $30,000 contribution to the National Republican Congressional Committee two days after the May primary.

Campbell could not immediately be reached to comment on the campaign’s spending rate Thursday evening. But in a statement, Gerlach said he was “humbled by the strong showing we have received.

“I look forward to continuing to talk about my record of cutting taxes, opposing massive new spending and debt, and my efforts to assist our business leaders in creating jobs for Pennsylvania families,” Gerlach said. “We have to get this economy moving again, and that won’t happen by sending more tax-and-spend politicians to Washington like Manan Trivedi who will be a rubber-stamp for Nancy Pelosi.”

The race is currently No. 4 on the pa2010.com Congressional Power Rankings.

July 15, 2010 at 6:45 pm

--Dan Hirschhorn

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  1. Don Snyder

    Jul 15th, 2010

    It would appear that most of Trivedi’s money has come from outside the area and from Indian supporters. Thought that was worthy of note as I saw no mention of that in the article itself. Looks like Trivedi spent a lot of time in Nancy Pelosi’s neck of the woods as there are a lot of contributions from San Francisco and Main Line limousine liberals. Who else would support a guy who advocates distributing condoms to schoolchildren and teaching transgender lifestyles in public school.

  2. Usama Bin Laden

    Jul 15th, 2010

    I Like Many he is one of us

  3. C Guiney

    Jul 17th, 2010

    Interesting that the spendthrift, grassroots Dem is being called a ‘tax and spender’ by the guy who dropped $420K in a primary.

  4. Cheryl Kahn

    Jul 18th, 2010

    It’s not really that interesting. The “spendthrift” Dem just can’t raise as much money. The “spendthrift” Dem doesn’t think Obamacare goes far enough and has made it clear he will fight for a single-payer option. The “spendthrift” Dem wants to give amnesty to the 18 million illegal immigrants, and their families. That’s a “spendthrift” plan that will ensure bankrupt America and make it impossible to ever rectify our exploding national debt. “Spendthrift” Dem – what a joke.

  5. Tired of Gerlach

    Jul 18th, 2010

    In the interest of pointing out where Gerlach’s money is coming from–he raises more from political action committees, interest groups (oil, pharmaceutical industry, etc.) than from individuals, especially those who live in the 6th district. I don’t think that that these interests are giving Gerlach cash out of the goodness of their hearts. They expect him to vote for their interests–not ours. I notice that Trivedi has raised very little from special interests or corporate America. I think it would be good to have a member of Congress not beholden to these interests. His biography is also quite impressive–seems principled about foreign policy, etc.

  6. Joe C

    Jul 19th, 2010

    Being a political Science student in Reading Gerlach has made it very easy for me to get involved politically regardless of party. I’m a Democrat and was turned away by Trivedi. I won’t work for Gerlach but i’m thinking of voting for him.

  7. politigator

    Jul 20th, 2010

    “Tired of Gerlach” should take a closer look at the fundraising reports. Trivedi’s fundraising is ALL ABOUT Liberal special interests. Just since the Primary, Trivedi has received over $150,000 from ACT BLUE the liberal Democrat group that “bundles” contributions from all over the country for Democrats. He has also received thousands from powerful special interest groups like NARAL. This activity is hardly raising money from the 6th District. Gerlach consistently raises more money from individuals election after election than PAC’s so you better check your facts. Also, Mr. Trivedi even felt is was necessary to raise $36,000 from his own special interest group – HIMSELF.

    So if you take away ACT BLUE who does the fundraising for him, his own contribution to his campaign and Indian doctors like himself, you are left with very little financial support from our area.. Jim Gerlach’s reports are full of contributors large and small from right here in PA !

  8. Maggie

    Jul 21st, 2010

    To all potential volunteers, please call me at our office or email us at info@trivediforcongress.com for opportunities to get involved. To Joe C – We’re not sure who it was who turned away good help, but I would like to hear from you so that we can make sure it never happens again. Our number is 610-287-8439.

    -Maggie
    Intern Coordinator, Trivedi for Congress

    Disclaimer: I am a paid staff member of the Trivedi for Congress campaign

  9. Maggie

    Jul 21st, 2010

    Hey sorry guys,
    Old habits die hard, our new office number is 610-286-4846! Thanks!
    – Maggie

  11. Blue in Chesco

    Jul 21st, 2010

    @Maggie:

    I’m a Trivedi supporter but even I think it’s tacky to be recruiting on this kind of site…

  12. John Giles

    Jul 26th, 2010

    “I look forward to continuing to talk about my record of having voted for the Billionaire Bailout.”
    – Jim Gerlach, RINO

  13. O2B, PA-06: Jim Gerlach Is A Lamestain Cob-Nobbler | Second Reagan Revolution

    Aug 6th, 2010

    [...] a remarkably close fundraising (487K to 434K this period) and cash on hand race (541K to 329K), given Gerlach’s incumbency [...]

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