High-ranking Republicans are courting State Senator Kim Ward of Westmoreland County to run for U.S. Senate in 2012, PoliticsPA has learned.
“I have been approached by high ranking Republicans in the party, grassroots volunteers, and even some consultants about running for the US Senate seat in 2012,” confirmed Ward in an email.
A source close to the Pennsylvania Republican Party noted Ward’s profile as a strong statewide candidate. As a lifelong resident of southwestern Pennsylvania, Ward could cut into Casey’s support in that part of the state. Ward is a respiratory therapist by profession, and could appeal to working-class voters. Additionally, some Republican insiders believe that a female candidate could be more competitive across the state, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Kim Ward is very popular, and a woman candidate would be interesting and attractive to a lot of Pennsylvanians,” confirmed Republican strategist Charlie Gerow. “She’s proven herself to be a vote-getter in an area that’s not a Republican-rich environment.”
Ward is expected to attend this weekend’s Pennsylvania Society events in New York to further test the waters for her candidacy, the source told PoliticsPA.
Ward confirmed that she will be attending PA Society but has not yet determined whether she will enter the race. She cited her opportunity to support Governor-Elect Corbett’s agenda in the State Senate as her primary focus.
“I’m not ruling anything in or out, it’s too early,” Ward said.
Marc Scaringi, an attorney and former staffer to Senator Rick Santorum, is the only declared Republican candidate. State Senator Jake Corman is also rumored to be considering a run.
Loading ...
2 Responses
When I called Senator McCain’s ofcife, I was sent to his messaging. I left a message encouraging support and it was over.When I called Senator Kyle’s ofcife, a young man answered who seemed to be interested; and he seemed to be familiar with S1082. I not only encouraged support for S1082 and opposition to amendments that watered it down, but I relayed the story of my daughter’s death due to the untoward effects of her medication. I have no idea if any of it will be passed on to Senator Kyle. I know I can rest assured that pharmacy industry lobbyists have had one on one time with both senators
I’d vote for her. I’m glad to see the Republicans finally realizing that they need to put more female candidates forward. Its about time.