By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com

Jim Gerlach’s campaign isn’t broke anymore.

The Republican congressional candidate, who had almost no money on hand after suddenly ending his gubernatorial bid in early January, said Thursday he had raised $500,000 in the year’s first three months. He has about $335,000 on hand.

“We are extremely happy with the fundraising to date and are very encouraged by the level of support for Jim’s re-election,” said Gerlach spokesman Mark Campbell in a statement. “We always run our campaigns as if we are 10 points down. This year is no different and it should be a strong signal to Democrats that Jim is again taking nothing for granted.

“By the fall, our campaign will have the resources to communicate why Jim’s pro-jobs, pro-taxpayer record is best for southeast Pennsylvania, and stands in stark contrast to either of the two liberals running who want bigger government, more spending and higher taxes. We look forward to the debate,” he added.

Gerlach spent much of 2009 seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination, an attempt that failed to gain traction against heavy favorite Attorney General Tom Corbett. Gerlach spent nearly all of the $1 million he raised for the effort.

The incumbent Republican does not face a serious primary challenge after wealthy businessman Steve Welch ended his campaign weeks after Gerlach’s re-entry, meaning he’ll likely be able to stockpile his resources for his Democratic opponent in the fall.

Democrats Manan Trivedi and Doug Pike are battling for the Democratic nomination in the 6^th Congressional District.

PoliticsPA ranks the seat as the 9th most likely in Pennsylvania to change parties.