Chester County Commissioner Carol Aichele said last night that she was ending her bid for Lieutenant Governor, just days before the state Republican Party meets to make a formal endorsement next weekend. Aichele made her announcement in an e-mail to supporters late Sunday night. Her decision came shortly after the completion of regional straw votes. If memory serves me correctly, I think that there have been 5 GOP straw polls held over the last few weeks. Although straw polls are not binding, they are an indicator as to where the party is leaning. I guess we can assume that Carol’s decision was based on her showing in those votes.
The following is from Carol Aichele’s website:
I wanted to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during my campaign for Lieutenant Governor. From the Poconos to Pittsburgh and from Erie to Philadelphia, it has been my honor and privilege to meet with countless Republicans who share my determination to create a new beginning for Pennsylvania.
While I truly enjoyed this time in my life, I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
Since I entered this race last June, my number one priority has always been to help Tom Corbett become the next Governor of Pennsylvania. Even though I will no longer be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, I remain committed to this priority. I will do everything I can to help Tom and will work so that he will win Chester County by the largest margin possible.
I believe it is imperative that we unite behind Tom and that our party endorse one candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Unnecessary and expensive primary campaigns will only hurt our chances of defeating the Democrats this fall.
So to all my fellow Republicans, state committee members, party leaders and fellow Lieutenant Governor candidates, I want to thank you again for the time we spent together during this journey. Your support, encouragement and well-wishes will never be forgotten.
Wonder if the GOP is sending a message to women seeking political office. Last week it was Judy DiFilippo and this week it is Carol Aichele. Interesting.
I think the party is sending a message to women who are not willing to “pay to play.” Judy and Carol are not likely to need backroom deals to formulate their personal values…
I don’t think the GOP is sending a message to women seeking office. If they are,, they’re making a vig mistake. Pennsylvania ranks at the bottom with female legislators. When I look at the numbers (which includes the SE caucus and spoke with several state committee members, Carol just didn’t have the numbers to finish on top. I’m not sure if she would have made it as a compromise candidate.
And don’t forget it was Carol the CCRC wanted to put up for the 19th instead of Carole Rubley.
And then you have Gwen Alexander running for the 156th – not qualified. In Chesco, it depends on your social issues stance. When will the CCRC learn? You can see more of teh Gwen Alexander issue on Dan Christie’s blog comments (you have to hunt for it).