By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com

Jim Gerlach’s congressional campaign said Friday it had received about $525,000 since he ended his gubernatorial campaign early this month, although the congressman did not specify how much of that money he has actually received.

The money could be a big boost to the incumbent Republican, who faces a challenge from businessman Steve Welch in the GOP primary. Welch had about $650,000 on hand to end last year, while Gerlach’s gubernatorial run left his federal campaign account broke.

“The out-pouring of support has been tremendous these last three weeks and I am humbled by the faith many have in my ability to win in the fall and continue the hard work we do everyday for taxpayers across Berks, Chester, Lehigh and Montgomery counties,” Gerlach said in a statement. “I’m proud to count thousands of volunteers and donors as friends who believe in me and our campaign. I think folks understand that in order to really see change on health care, reducing government spending and a lasting push to create jobs, we’ve got to keep this seat in Republican hands by nominating a candidate who has a long record of public service and a proven record of winning. The strong fundraising since January 8th shows that we are in the best position possible to do that.”

Welch was vying for the Republican nomination in the 6^th District when Gerlach re-entered the race. Although other challengers, such as former Revenue Secretary Howard Cohen and state Rep. Curt Schroder ended the race, ended their candidacies when he came back, Welch remained.

“I have never, in any campaign, taken anything for granted, and I am not about to begin this year. I know I have to work to earn the votes of taxpayers across the district as I do every year, and we’re looking forward to big victories in May and November,” Gerlach said.

Gerlach also faces activist Patrick Sellers and geologist Walt Hufford in the primary.