PA-05

One day after Pennsylvania Republicans chose their candidates for Congress, the National Republican Congressional Committee is already trying to raise expectations for its success in the general election.

“The Keystone State has produced a solid field of GOP candidates. Republicans are poised to pick up and defend a number of targeted seats this fall,” read an NRCC memo released today.

Glenn Thompson won a narrow victory in last night’s Congressional District 5 Republican primary. He got 19.4 percent of the vote, in comparison to Derek Walker’s 17.7 percent and Matt Shaner's 17.5 percent and Jeffrey Stroehmann's 13.7 percent, according to the Department of State’s website.

“Since day one in my bid for the Republican nomination, I have run an issue oriented, positive, grassroots campaign,” said Thompson. “My motto of ‘People above Politics’ will remain the key focus of the campaign as we begin the long journey toward the November general election.”

Thompson will take on Mark McCracken (D) in the general to fill the seat of retiring Rep. John Peterson (R).

PA-05 is about as solid a Republican district as you can get. George W. Bush beat John Kerry with 61% of the vote. With John Peterson retiring it was assumed that the winner of the Republican Primary election would be the next Congressman from the 5th district.

PolitickerPA.com asked all the candidates in the 5th Congressional District a series of questions via E-mail. Here are the answers from Democrat Mark McCracken, a Clearfield County Commissioner, computer engineer and former School Board member.

After District 5 Republican Congressional candidate Derek Walker was charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and burglarizing her house, new details of the case are being reported across the state.  read more »

You ask your supporters to run them for you.  At least that is what Keith Richardson is doing.  The PA-05 Republican candidate showed only $2126 cash on hand a week ago with his pre-primary FEC filing is hoping supporters will pick up the slack for him.  

Even though Richardson has shown he has no money, he ask if he maybe has the momentum.  The following is his latest email.  read more »

Republican U.S. House candidate Derek Walker’s former girlfriend came forward Thursday afternoon denying charges that the 5th district congressional hopeful had stalked her.

"Derek Walker and I dated for seven years. As with many long-term relationships, our breakup was very difficult and emotional. However rumors are being circulated about what happened between Derek Walker and me and are now being used for political gain,” the woman, Kathleen Ferry, said in a statement.

“Derek Walker and I ended our relationship in June. My family and I wish Derek the best on Election Day. Anyone who would spread such blatantly false rumors five days before an election is clearly politically motivated. Not only should they immediately stop spreading these rumors but they should also step forward and offer Derek Walker and me a public apology," Ferry added.

Just days before his primary election against Matt Shaner and 9 others, Derek Walker has been charged with stalking and burglary.  More here

PA’s 5^th CD Republican primary is turning ugly. Both Matt Shaner and Derek Walker are dumping their vast personal funds into the race, and its turning ugly. Here are the two latest attack ads on both fronts. Inside Edge has also been told it could turn even nastier in the coming weeks

Republican Derek Walker, running for Congress in District 5, has received the endorsement of Former Congressman Bill Clinger, who represented the district from 1978-1997.

"I believe that Derek Walker is that candidate and I am pleased to wholeheartedly endorse him for the position as your next congressman. He has solid conservative principles and a deep understanding of the District's problems and its promise as well as its people. He has the ‘right stuff’ to effectively represent our rural conservative values," said Clinger.

Walker is one of 10 Republicans running for the seat of departing Republican U.S. Rep. John Peterson.