GOP backs Costello for Gerlach seat in 6th District

Republicans seem to be uniting around Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello as their candidate for the Pennsylvania Congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach. Things are less clear on the Democratic side.

Costello, 37, is chairman of the Chester County Commissioners. Describing himself as a thoughtful conservative, he said he wants to go to Congress to get things done.

“I’m not looking to use a lot of fiery rhetoric or point fingers,” he said. “I really want to be somebody that’s viewed as productive and trying to solve problems.”

 Two weeks ago there was a list of potential Republican rivals for Costello — former state Rep. Sam Rohrer, state Sen. John Rafferty, and Chester County Republican Chairman Val DiGiorgio.  They’re gone and, for now, Costello has the primary field to himself.

It’s no surprise that the picture among Democrats is less clear.

There is one declared candidate — businessman and former Republican Michael Parrish. State Sen. Judy Schwank of Berks County, who was considering a run has decided not to. Two former candidates for the seat, Manan Trivedi and Doug Pike, said recently they’re thinking about it.

Candidates have until early March to file nominating petitions. The party primaries are May 20.