FEC fines Gerlach $120k for lying about campaign contributions.

[MarkWarner08]

Rep. Jim Gerlach, representative of the "Bloody Sixth," was slapped with a severe reprimand from the Federal Election Commission for over reporting contributions in 2004 and 2006 by an astounding 2 million dollars. This fine, while likely unnoticed by most voters, will make effective campaign fodder for Gerlach's eventual foe.

This race is similar to the New Mexico 1st's race. If the Democrats can get a strong candidate against Wilson (ie Martin Heinrich), they'll have an excellent chance. If Chris Van Hollen's overtures are rebuffed, expect Wilson to spend at least two more years in Washington.  If Democrats don't get a candidate from Chester County, then Gerlach is home free.

This race is all about candidate recruitment. The Democrats inability to find a strong foe in 2004 left them with a liberal Mont. Co. attorney who was left of Allyson Schwartz. While the atmospherics of 2008 will likely be better for Gerlach, the general dismay with  Bush and the tarnished GOP brand will be an albatross around Gerlach's political career.

[HardRCafé]

This race is similar to the New Mexico 1st's race. If the Democrats can get a strong candidate against Wilson (ie Martin Heinrich), they'll have an excellent chance.

Patricia Madrid should run again.  She is a captivating speaker.

[Keystone Phil]

Damn.


2008 Election Results

Jim Gerlach - 51%
Whoever else - 49%

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Because 51% of the 6th districts residents are complete zombies who will never ever vote for Gerlach under any circumstances whatsoever, right?

[Keystone Phil]

Because 51% of the 6th districts residents are complete zombies who will never ever vote for Gerlach under any circumstances whatsoever, right?

Hey, argue with the articles that agree with me. Argue with the analysts that say that Gerlach's base is very, very hard to break. I don't have to debate you on this, BRTD. You can mock me for my predictions elsewhere but plenty of people acknowledge my Gerlach points.

[Speed of Sound]

Because 51% of the 6th districts residents are complete zombies who will never ever vote for Gerlach under any circumstances whatsoever, right?

Hey, argue with the articles that agree with me. Argue with the analysts that say that Gerlach's base is very, very hard to break. I don't have to debate you on this, BRTD. You can mock me for my predictions elsewhere but plenty of people acknowledge my Gerlach points.

As someone who neighbors the district and actually worked in the district quite a bit in 04 and 06, I can indeed back up KPhil's insight into the district's style.