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Welch Not Yielding to Gerlach in Pa.

It appears Rep. Jim Gerlach‘s (R-Pa.) will have a primary contest now that he’s officially running for re-election to his House seat.

Businessman Steve Welch (R) said Friday afternoon in a statement that he is staying in the race despite Gerlach’s plans.

“As I have said before I admire Jim’s commitment to public service and look forward to a professional, spirited debate on the best way to revive the American Dream and stop burdening our children with mountains of debt,” Welch said.

However, a Republican insider with knowledge of Welch’s campaign seemed to hedge on whether he is refusing to step aside. The source said that no official decision has been made yet.

The Pennsylvania primary is scheduled for May 18.

Welch had already loaned his campaign just over $500,000 for his bid. What’s more, Welch switched races earlier this year to run for Gerlach’s seat from his bid in the neighboring 7th district after another former gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan (R), announced he was running for that seat.

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