Corbett primary rival Guzzardi envisions winning scenario

The self-professed “nuisance” candidate challenging incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett is reassessing his campaign’s viability after a state judge’s ruling to keep him on the Pennsylvania primary ballot.

Bob Guzzardi, a Montgomery County businessman and lawyer, appeared on the gubernatorial scene with bluster and bravado, but dim prospects. He is doing no fundraising when Corbett’s campaign last reported having $7.5 million on hand.

But a recent court victory is leading Guzzardi to wax optimistic about what he calls the “Republican disaffected base” coming to his aid in the May 20 primary and beyond.

“The defeat of Tom Corbett, an incumbent, in a primary by somebody who is spending minuscule amounts of money will be national news. Who knows what happens then?” Guzzardi said.

Guzzardi, who calls himself a “Rush Limbaugh Republican,” said he can imagine getting national attention if he wins the GOP primary.

“Suppose Rush Limbaugh comes in and says, ‘You know, there’s this guy in Pennsylvania that’s defeated the entire Republican leadership, including the incumbent governor,'” Guzzardi said. “Well, that’s all he has to say — I get the Republican Rush Limbaugh vote fired up. You know you never know what happens in November.”

A Commonwealth Court judge ruled last week Guzzardi should remain on the ballot. Voters backed by the GOP said he failed to file the right paperwork and submitted nomination petitions with errors.

The challenge is being appealed to the state Supreme Court, and will be decided based on legal briefs submitted Monday.