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.

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From Philly.com

Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.), who dropped out of the governor’s race yesterday afternoon, is expected to announce today that he will run for reelection to Congress in the suburban 6th House District after all, according to Republican sources.
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It’s shaping up to be a busy political season here in Pennsylvania. Headlining the event is the race for Specter’s senate seat. Trailing a close second is the race for the governors mansion. But flying a little lower on the radar are a few congressional races. This will be a first in an 8 part series covering all the congressional races in PA.

PA-6

It’s the fight for Gerlach’s seat and the GOP field is filling up fast. Front runner Steve Welch was talked out of running for PA-7 to clear the way for Meehan but turning around and walking a few miles the other direction may not have been his smartest move. He faces local conservative favorite Curt Schroder. Welch will also have to answer for the fact that he voted as a Democrat in 2008.

Also in the race are Patrick Sellers, Ryan Costello and Howard Cohen.

On the Dem side you have Doug Pike and Manan Trivedi in a shouting match for who is more civil and pro-choice.

It will be an interesting race to say the least.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of 8 “PA-7″

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Delaware County resident Jim Schneller announced himself yesterday as a candidate for US Congress 7th District PA.

From his campaign website:

America’s Greatness Is At Issue

Jim Schneller will represent you with your principles and your well being in mind:

Jim’s stands on the issues also include:
Limited Government
Crucial Importance of Small and Medium Sized Business
Rights of the Elderly and Nursing Home Patients
Return to Transparency in Government
Full disclosure of all lobbying activity
Pro Life – Unborn and Advanced Age
Sensible Health Care Reform

Jim is running as an independent candidate.

Jim4US.com | meetup group

As a side note Schneller is a birther who previously filed the lawsuit Schneller vs Cortes.

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According to NewsTalkPA.com Meehan may have been distributing Lt. Governor flyers.

Rick Schenker said on the forum,

I think this is a brilliant idea to have Corbett and Meehan run as a ticket. If this happens…count me in. I will be glad to step back and support an amazing strong ticket.

So far no one is saying anything official, check out this Morning Call article for more info

Schenker has made similar statements on the Corbett for Governor facebook group.

Corbett–Meehan OR Meehan–Corbett
Allegheny Republican Chairman Jim Roddey callS for Corbett-Meehan ticket..the SE GOP Caucus may come back with the counter offer of a Meehan-Corbett Ticket
Either way, if this happens…count me in. I will be glad to step back and support an amazingly strong ticket. If not, I will be a candidate for Lt. Governor and I would be happy to serve with either nominee–both good men

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