Chamber Endorses Candidates in General Election

The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors endorses the following candidates in the November General Election and encourages our members to support their election efforts.

U.S. House of Representatives

 

Jim Gerlach - 6th District, Incumbent

www.jimgerlachforcongress.com

 

Joe Pitts - 16th District, Incumbent  

Campaign office 717.295.9108

 

PA State Senate

 

Mike O'Pake - 11th District, Incumbent

Campaign office 610.376.2304

 

PA House of Representatives

 

David Argall - 124th District, Incumbent

Campaign office 570.645.3418

 

Sam Rohrer - 128th District, Incumbent

www.samrohrer.org

 

Richard Gokey - 130th District, Challenger

www.gokeyforpa.com

About the Chamber's Decision to Endorse

The vote to endorse candidates reflects the organization’s awareness of the critical impact political leadership has on our community’s economic development and quality of life. “Now more than ever it is evident that our political leaders are partners in our economic stewardship. The Chamber has an ongoing responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable.” said Chamber President & CEO Ellen Horan.

Chamber Endorsement Selection Process

The vote to endorse candidates is the culmination of an established process begun in 2006 when the Chamber made endorsements for the offices of Mayor, City of Reading and County Commissioner. Thirteen leading executives of member companies, as well as Chamber President & CEO Ellen Horan, serve on the task force. Dick Ehst leads the committee as chairman.

The Taskforce first met to determine which offices the Chamber should consider for endorsement and then sent all candidates seeking those offices a detailed questionnaire. After careful review of returned questionnaires, interviews were extended. The task force made its recommendation to the full Chamber Board of Directors which voted to endorse and assist these candidates in their elections.