Chester Co. Dems endorse Roggio

ER By an overwhelming margin, Chester County Democrats lined up behind one of their own today in a four-way contest for the Democratic nomination in the Sixth District congressional race.

Retired Charlestown Township businessman Robert Roggio won 88 votes out of 111 cast to win the county Democratic Committee endorsement for what is traditionally a hotly-contested race.

The Democratic organizations in Montgomery and Berks counties will decide later who, if anyone, to endorse.

The winner of the Apr. 22 primary election will face U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.) who is seeking a fourth term in office. Gerlach retained his seat two years ago with 50.7 percent of the vote over his Democratic challenger, Lois Murphy.

"Gerlach is susceptible this year," said Roggio. "The Republicans are a mess and that will work in our favor." Gerlach's campaign could not be reached for comment.

Coming in a distant second in today's balloting with 19 votes was Haverford developer Mike Leibowitz. Attorney and former state senator Bob Rovner of Lower Merion received two votes as did business executive Richie Phillips Jr.

"Bob Roggio had a lot of long-time personal friends in that room and I'm happy for him that he won there." said Leibowitz, "but I think I'm the best candidate to win across the district and the best to go against Jim Gerlach."

Rovner said he was not seeking the endorsement, and Phillips did not address the convention, making him ineligible for the endorsement, said party chairwoman Michele Vaughn.

Montgomery County is expected to endorse a candidate during their convention on Feb. 21. The Berks County Democratic Committee traditionally does not endorse candidates, preferring to hold open primaries, said party chairman Tom Herman.

Although this is his first run for office, Roggio, 60, is no stranger to politics. He was Philadelphia volunteer coordinator for Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004, suburban Philadelphia coordinator for Sen. Bob Casey's campaign, and until recently, Casey's field representative in southeastern Pennsylvania.

He said he made more than 200 phone calls to committee people this past week lining up votes, and it paid off yesterday.

"I think it went well, but I'm not resting on this endorsement," said Roggio. "I expect to work hard in Montgomery and Berks as well."

East Whiteland Township supervisor Bill Holmes said that when all is said and done, he believes that Roggio will emerge as the strongest candidate in the primary election.

"He will have the support of the Chester County party as well as the other Congressional candidates," Holmes said.

Dan Wofford, who ran against Gerlach in 2002, said that he believes the political analysts who are predicting an easy win for Gerlach will be proven wrong.

"I think this seat will still be in play," said Wofford. "The winds for change are so strong."