GOP state committee endorses Welch for U.S. Senate
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HERSHEY, Pa. -- After hours of wrangling and some fiery discussion, Pennsylvania's Republican Party state committee members voted this afternoon to endorse Chester County businessman Steve Welch as their candidate for U.S. Senate.
Mr. Welch's candidacy was significantly boosted by aggressive support from Gov. Tom Corbett, who declared his backing for the southeasterner a little more than a week ago.
That selection by the governor brought pushback from portions of the party committee membership - including some of the southwestern delegation - and from various grassroots groups, who urged an open primary instead.
"[Gov. Corbett] advocated Steve Welch, simply because he's from Philadelphia," said Jim Means, a committee member from Allegheny County. "I think we need a much stronger reason to vote for somebody than just because they're from the Philadelphia area."
Still, Mr. Corbett's personally lobbying committee members to choose Mr. Welch appeared to have an impact, with one round of roll-call balloting resulting in the governor's hoped-for outcome.
Previously, Mr. Welch twice considered bids for U.S. Congress in two southeastern districts. While he later stepped aside for the party-backed contenders, his earlier support of President Barack Obama and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak has drawn scorn from some conservatives.
His current race is being managed by BrabenderCox and Brian Nutt, the political firm and campaign manager that Gov. Corbett used in his gubernatorial bid.
Despite his party backing, Mr. Welch will still face a crowded spring primary, expected to include Washington County businessman Tim Burns, retired Armstrong County coal company owner Tom Smith, former state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County, Harrisburg attorney Marc Scaringi, Bedford County pharmacist John Kensinger and David Christian, a veteran from Bucks County.
The winner will face U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., in the November general election.
Party committee members also endorsed the sole GOP candidates for attorney general, Cumberland County district Attorney Dave Freed, and treasurer, Washington County commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan. State Rep. John Maher of Upper St. Clair received the party nod for auditor general over Frank Pinto of Dauphin County.
First Published January 28, 2012 12:00 am
