Chesco GOP selects Ross to replace Walker

CHESTER COUNTY

GOP selects Ross to replace Walker in 158th District race

KENNETT SQUARE State Rep. Chris Ross (R., Chester) will run for a 10th term to represent the 158th District in November, replacing a candidate who withdrew from the race last week.

Cuyler Walker, a Berwyn-based lawyer and township supervisor in East Marlborough, cited unspecified personal issues in his decision to withdraw just weeks before November's election.

Commonwealth Court decided Friday to allow Republicans to choose a replacement candidate more than a month after the withdrawal deadline. County Democrats have questioned the reasons behind Walker's decision.

Ross will face Democrat Susan Rzucidlo, who ran against him in 2010 and 2012.

Republican Committee of Chester County members voted Sunday for Ross over George Rogers Howard, who lost the primary in May.

Ross had announced in November that, after 18 years in office, he would not seek another term. But, he said Monday, he's honored the committee chose him. He said he's ready to serve two more years.

"I am close to getting a major breakthrough on pension reform that is critical for the future fiscal health of the commonwealth and our public schools," he said in an e-mail.

- Michaelle Bond