For the First Time in Years, Gerlach Favored to Win

June 23rd, 2008, posted by Greg Palmer

Maybe it’s time to give Rep. Jim Gerlach his due.

A survivor of near-death political experiences in the last two elections, the Republican from Chester County certainly has proved he can take a punch.

His titanic battles with Democrat Lois Murphy in 2004 and 2006 were subjects of national – even international – attention. TV crews from France and Japan followed him around, and leaders of both parties in Washington directed millions of dollars into the races, which were ranked among the handful of most competitive in the country.

But now, as Gerlach girds for yet another battle this fall, an unexpected thing has happened. The square-jawed, 53-year-old congressman finds himself in a position he has never been in before: He’s an actual favorite to win.

Filed under:

Gerrymandering got Jim Gerlach his due.

On June 23rd, 2008 Anonymous said:

Before showering too much credit on Jim Gerlach we may wish to recall that the current parameters of the 6th Congressional district were tailor-made for this Republican congressman.
While no one can blame Representative Gerlach for benefiting from his crazy patchwork of political geography, this old (1812) practice is nothing more than a subversion of the democratic process.
Matt Thomas

oh please

On June 23rd, 2008 Anonymous said:

everyone has been saying that for years. well you now have 3 cycles where he has 51%. clearly someone screwed something up when it was “tailor made” because it is not a safe Republican district by any means. gerlach does deserve a lot of credit for beating back the tidal wave. he’s a good guy and people like him

Gerlach is not a good guy

On June 23rd, 2008 Anonymous said:

He is only receptive to business needs. The ‘carved-out’ 6th district to especially include most of the mainline suburbs – ensured that he would keep the vote for the ‘keep the tax cuts for the wealthiest,’ and some of the ‘lancaster-bordered’ more socially conservative voters. It is poor representation that this district carved out an area like West Chester – which better demonstrates the population of this district.

This district needs serious un-gerrymandering.

Roggio Needs to start Campaigning

On September 6th, 2008 Anonymous said:

If Roggio would get his tail in Gear and make a move he can win People have had it with George Bush Minion Like Gerlach