Pennsylvania holds its Republican presidential primary on April 24 -- and Mitt Romney is trying to pry away some of the Keystone States 72 delegates from favorite son Rick Santorum.
On Tuesday, Romney announced that he had won the backing of some of Pennsylvanias leading Republicans, including three congressmen: Charlie Dent, Jim Gerlach and Bill Shuster.
I am endorsing Governor Romney because he's the presidential candidate that will give Americans what they want and need a fair shot at economic opportunity and prosperity for their families," Dent said. We've spent four years hoping in this country -- now it's time for results. Look at his record and you will see -- in both the private sector and in service to the public -- Mitt Romney delivers results.
After studying the candidates throughout this primary process, it is clear that there is one candidate who can win in November and fix our economy, added Shuster. Mitt Romney has demonstrated in this campaign, in business, in the Olympics and as a governor that he is ready to be president on day one. That is why I support him and why support for his campaign is growing in Pennsylvania.
Romney also unveiled the endorsements of former U.S. Rep. Phil English and the support of five party leaders in the state.
The Santorum team showed theyre not taking their candidates home state for granted on Tuesday when they named Brian Nutt to lead their forces in the Keystone State. Nutt is a veteran of Pennsylvania politics who has helped guide Gov. Tom Corbetts rise.
Rick Santorum has been a strong, consistent conservative leader for not just Pennsylvania, but our entire country, Nutt said. I have seen Rick Santorum's leadership firsthand. Senator Santorum stood up when many would back down. He is a fighter, and exactly what our country needs right now. I am excited to join his team and help him win his fifth race in Pennsylvania."
"Brian will be a tremendous addition to our team, Santorum said. He was instrumental in helping Tom Corbett win three statewide races. There are few in Pennsylvania politics with Brian's resume, acumen, and skill. I am looking forward to working with him as we once again work to turn Pennsylvania from Blue to Red."
For the moment, according to a poll released on Tuesday, Santorum starts off with a solid lead in Pennsylvania. According to a survey of Republican primary voters from Public Policy Polling, a firm with connections to many prominent Democrats, Santorum leads in the Keystone State with 43 percent, followed by Romney with 25 percent. Newt Gingrich places a distant third with 13 percent, followed by Ron Paul with 9 percent. The poll of 564 likely Pennsylvania Republican primary voters was taken March 8-11 and had a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859
