Gerlach ekes out win; Pa. GOP keeps five-seat U.S. House delegation edge

[Freddie Stubbs]

LARA JAKES JORDAN

Associated Press


PHILADELPHIA - A first-term GOP congressman waited until Wednesday to declare victory in a suburban Philadelphia swing district, a win that preserved Republicans' five-seat edge in Pennsylvania's U.S. House delegation.

It was the second House election in as many years that Rep. Jim Gerlach eked out a win in the suburban 6th Congressional District, a seat he barely won in 2002. He defeated Democratic challenger Lois Murphy, an ally of Gov. Ed Rendell, 51 percent to 49 percent.

Gerlach did not respond to repeated interview requests Wednesday. In an afternoon statement released by his campaign, Gerlach thanked his supporters and promised to continue fighting for medical malpractice reform, protecting open space and strengthening national security.

"It was a hard-fought race, but we prevailed," Gerlach said in the short statement.

more: http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/local/10093395.htm

[motely36]

1. That sucks

I really thought Lois Murphy was going to win. Well, we'll try again in two years

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. But at least we didn't lose any seats

There are at least two districts in PA where there are more Republicans than Democrats yet Democratic candidates won there.