Corman withdraws from GOP race for Governor; endorses Barletta

May 12—WILKES-BARRE — Five days before the Pennsylvania Primary, State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman announced that he is withdrawing from the race for governor and throwing his support behind fellow Republican Lou Barletta.

An Associated Press story said the move comes as GOP leaders warn that leading GOP candidate Doug Mastriano is too far right to win in a general election. The AP story said Corman's name will remain on ballots statewide, and mail-in voting has been underway for weeks. It's unclear what, if any, effect Corman's decision to end his campaign will have on the race, since polls have showed him gaining little traction.

Barletta, a former mayor of Hazleton and member of Congress, has been at or near the top of nearly every public opinion poll since he announced his campaign for governor last May.

At a press conference with Barletta in Harrisburg Thursday, Corman said the decision to suspend his campaign was difficult, but he felt it was imperative that Pennsylvania Republicans nominate a candidate who can unite the party and defeat Democrat Josh Shapiro in November.

"Lou Barletta is the man at the right time at the right place for the people of Pennsylvania and I'm happy to be here today to support Lou," Corman said. "At a time when Tom Wolf is leaving office with historically low approval ratings, when the country and Pennsylvania are rejecting the Biden agenda, this is a time when we're looking for new leadership."

Corman added that, "It's an opportunity for Republicans to win this governor's race and then to accomplish things for the people of Pennsylvania. The only way that we will not be successful in the fall is if we nominate someone who can't possibly win. Lou Barletta is perfectly positioned to get results for the people of Pennsylvania and I'm proud to add my voice to support him."

Barletta congratulated Corman on running a strong race and for graciously working together toward victory in November.

"I very much appreciate Sen. Jake Corman's support and the difficult decision he made to withdraw from the race and work together for the benefit of Republicans and all Pennsylvanians," Barletta said. "It is increasingly evident that Republicans must get behind one candidate who can win the nomination and then actually defeat Josh Shapiro in November. There is no question that as the Republican nominee, I can beat Shapiro because the people of Pennsylvania know me. I am proven, road-tested, and ready to lead The Great Pennsylvania Comeback."

Sen. Yudichak commends Corman

Sen. John Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, knows Corman from their days at Penn State University and they entered the State Legislature at the same time 24 years ago.

"At this critical juncture in the Governor's race, I commend Sen. Jake Corman for rallying Pennsylvania political leaders to endorse Lou Barletta for Governor," Yudichak said. "Lou Barletta is a proven leader on the local and national stage. He has the experience and the courage to lead the great Pennsylvania comeback."

Yudichak said Pennsylvanians are struggling with high inflation, soaring gas prices, and rising utility bills.

"Lou Barletta can change the course of Pennsylvania by lowering taxes, empowering parents in their child's education, and creating new jobs," Yudichak said.

'Put Republican Party first'

Corman said as Senate President Pro Tempore and a leader of the Republican Party, he believes it's his duty to put the Republican party first.

"There's a tremendous opportunity to do something that we've only done once in the last two decades — elect a Republican as governor of Pennsylvania," Corman said. "The time has come for me to show leadership and support someone who can win in November — and that's my friend, Lou Barletta. For the greater good of our party, and for the people of Pennsylvania, I hope my fellow candidates will join me."

Santorum, Keller endorse Barletta

Former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum has also endorsed Barletta to be the next governor of Pennsylvania.

Santorum served in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007 and ran for the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Middleburg, also endorsed Barletta for Governor.

"I've known Lou for many years and he's exactly who Pennsylvania needs as our next Governor," Keller said. "Lou started his own successful business, served in an executive role as Mayor of Hazleton where he fought illegal immigration, and led the America First movement as a Congressman. His experience is unmatched. Importantly, he is the only Republican candidate who can win both the primary and general elections. Lou has my full support and endorsement."

White campaign issues statement

The Dave White for Governor campaign issued a statement in response to "career politician Jake Corman" endorsing "career politician Lou Barletta."

Bob Salera, Dave White for Governor Campaign Manager, said: "It should surprise absolutely no one that career politician Jake Corman would endorse career politician Lou Barletta — this is the swamp endorsing the swamp.

"Both Corman and Barletta have spent more than two decades on the public payroll, racking up massive taxpayer funded pensions along the way.

"Both Corman and Barletta have repeatedly voted to raise taxes and voted for increased government spending at the taxpayers' expense.

"Career politicians flock together, which is exactly why Pennsylvania needs to turn the page and elect an outsider like Dave White who will bring less talk and more action for the people of Pennsylvania to Harrisburg."

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.