April 22, 2008
AP: Thompson Wins GOP Primary in Open PA-05
In a race of millionaires, a candidate that raised a total of $18K, Centre Co. GOP Chair Glenn Thompson (R), is the GOP nominee in PA-05. He'll take on Clearfield Co. Commis. Mark McCracken (D) in the general to fill the seat of retiring Rep. John Peterson (R).
In a nine-member GOP field with no public polls, it was difficult to ascertain a frontrunner. But if money was any indicator, the top-tier consisted of businessman Matt Shaner (R), financial consultant Derek Walker (R) and Stroehmann Bakeries scion Jeffrey Stroehmann (R), who all put in significant amounts of money.
But Thompson earned Peterson's endorsement in the final stages of the race, and Walker spent the last weekend denying felony charges filed 4/17 against him for burglary and trespass. Shaner had baggage as well. Thompson didn't have the cash to tout his endorsement, but Peterson's machine kicked in and pulled him across the finish line. In the end, he won 19% to Walker and Shaner's 18% and Stroehmann's 14%.
Thompson will be favored in the general election against McCracken. Thompson may not have raised much money in the primary, but lots of money people will want to jump on his bandwagon now that he's the nominee in a very GOP seat. Thompson has the big edge heading into Nov.
(TIM SAHD)
Posted at 11:57 PM
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