Governor's candidate for Senate gets state GOP nod
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HERSHEY, Pa. -- Chester County businessman Steve Welch, Gov. Tom Corbett's chosen candidate for U.S. Senate, received the backing of state Republican Party committee members on Saturday after a tumultuous meeting at the Hershey Lodge that stretched into the afternoon.
While the establishment nod is a show of strength for both Mr. Welch and the governor, it did not considerably alter the primary field. "The only thing this changes is that I'm going to be late for supper," said Armstrong County businessman Tom Smith, referencing the more than four hours it took to reach a result.
Mr. Smith, who has amassed a significant war chest, is expected to mount an aggressive bid against Mr. Welch. Meanwhile, Washington County businessman Tim Burns will be assessing his campaign, political consultant Ray Zaborney said, acknowledging the impact of Mr. Corbett's backing.
State Republicans now head into primary season with an internal battle brewing over who will face off against Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Scranton.
Several of the four contenders who also sought the GOP's backing pointed to Mr. Welch's earlier support of both President Barack Obama and Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak as a fatal flaw.
"I think it's a mistake for our party to nominate a gentleman who is indistinguishable from Barack Obama," said Marc Scaringi, a Harrisburg attorney who garnered a half-dozen votes among the 350 committee members.
Former state Rep. Sam Rohrer, of Berks County, said that "by nominating an Obama supporter, they have unfortunately demonstrated what the people in general have disliked about much of this party."
Mr. Welch responded to that criticism as he accepted the endorsement, describing in his speech how earmarks and corruption scandals soured him on the Grand Old Party.
"Right here in Pennsylvania, hundreds of thousands of people left our party because we failed to govern consistent with our core values. I was one of those people," Mr. Welch said. It was the "extreme agenda" of Democrats in Washington, he continued, that spurred his return to the party.
The candidacy of Mr. Welch, who previously flirted with congressional bids in two southeastern districts, was significantly boosted by the governor's aggressive support. Mr. Corbett declared his selection in the race a little more than a week ago, and drew push-back from party committee members and grassroots activists who preferred an open primary.
"[Mr. 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."
Brian Nutt, who is both a consultant on Mr. Welch's campaign and Mr. Corbett's political adviser, said the governor wanted a GOP ticket that was well-balanced in terms of geography and experience. Mr. Corbett defended his endorsement decision, saying that rallying behind a candidate prior to the primary results would give the party a head start on the fall contest.
"Do not lose sight of November," Mr. Corbett told the committee members, noting that he received the party nod during his 2010 gubernatorial campaign. "The state party has been successful in recent years in fundraising and winning races because of their endorsements."
Two candidates from Friday's party-sponsored debate -- Bedford County pharmacist John Kensinger and David Christian, a veteran from Bucks County -- were not nominated for the endorsement, but at least one will continue his bid.
"It's definitely a hindrance," Mr. Kensinger said of not having the party's backing. "You're basically going up against the party. You have to build a base."
Committee members also backed 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, though Mr. Pinto said he will remain in the race.
First Published January 29, 2012 12:00 am
