Report: Steve Welch Drops Out In PA-6 To Avoid Primary With Rep. Gerlach

Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and PA-06 candidate Steve Welch (R).
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Businessman Steve Welch reportedly announced this morning he is ending his bid to be the Republican nominee for the sixth district of Pennsylvania, sparing the party a potentially divisive primary with Rep. Jim Gerlach.

Welch was the favored candidate for what was the open seat when Gerlach said he would run for governor. But last month, Gerlach changed his mind and instead is seeking reelection.

The blog pa2010 captured the remarks this morning as Welch spoke to Chester County Republicans.

“For me to fight hard right now would do more harm than good,” Welch said, according to pa10. “For that reason, I am withdrawing. … “We have a chance to send Jim Gerlach back to Congress to lead the way forward.”

Welch hasn’t posted anything on his Web site or Facebook page yet. We phoned his campaign and emailed his campaign manager but haven’t heard back.

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