Updated 11/12/10 with new submissions
As Republicans painted the state of Pennsylvania red last week incumbent senator Bob Casey was taking a hard look at his chances for reelection in 2012. At this point no Republicans (that I am aware of) have announced a challenge to Senator Casey. But with the midterm elections over bloggers, having nothing to write about, summarily discuss and toss around ideas of possible challengers to Senator Casey. Here is the Keystone Conservative list (in no particular order).
Pat Meehan
Previous candidate for Governor and Philly outlier, Meehan has as long history with PA politics and could easily jump into the 2012 Senate race. His big negative is his connections to former senator Arlen Specter.
Jim Gerlach
Another candidate for Governor and Philly outlier, Gerlach has the state wide name recognition and the party connections to jump into a GOP senate primary in 2011.
Joe Scarnati
The only lieutenant in the history of Pennsylvania to serve are as the Republican lieutenant governor with a sitting Democrat Governor. Scarnati, from Brockway PA, has the connections and decent statewide name recognition to throw his hat into the race.
Tom Ridge
Former PA Governor and director of homeland Security is another possibility. But after a failed recruitment attempt to run against Pat Toomey he may not want to run for Senate unless the way was cleared ahead of time.
Jake Corman
A rising star in Pennsylvania politics Corman (Senator from the 34th senatorial district) is another potential Casey challenger in 2012. He was the State Director for central PA for Senator Rick Santorum (94-98).
Glen Meakem
Meakem, conservative radio talkshow host and previous campaign chairman for William Scranton III for lieutenant governor. Meakem reportedly considered running against Senator Arlen Specter in the 2010 Primary.
Sam Rohrer
Rohrer has plenty of statewide name recognition after his primary race with Governor Elect Tom Corbett. He would face an uphill battle for the nomination and has stated he isn’t interested in Federal office.
Bruce Castor
Castor former Montgomery County DA and current Montgomery County Commissioner is another name being mentioned as a possible challenger for Senator Bob Casey.
Marc Scaringi
Scaringi has already announced his campaign for senate in 2012. Scaringi is a Harrisburg based lawyer who worked with Rick Santorum for senate campaign in 1994. [facebook campaign page]
Jane Orie
Orie, state senator representing the 40th senatorial district. Orie recently resigned her position as Republican whip due to a corruption indictment. If she can clear up the charges quickly Orie could be another possibility in the 2012 senate race.
That’s the list so far, leave a comment with thoughts, suggestions and opinions of who should or shouldn’t be on this list.
