It's official. A 30-year Democrat by the name of Tom Smith will be the Republican candidate to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr.
Smith, who billed himself as a "conservative," defeated the Republican Party-endorsed Steve Welch, who finished third in a five-man race.
Party leaders were quick to embrace Smith under the Republican big tent.
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement supporting Smith:
"I'd like to congratulate Tom Smith on a hard-fought victory and endorse his candidacy. Tom is a self-made man from humble origins who understand the value of hard work. His understanding of job creation and his vast private sector experience is exactly what our government needs right now. I look forward to supporting his candidacy in the coming months."
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following statement:
"I congratulate U.S. Senate candidate Tom Smith, Attorney General candidate David Freed, Auditor General candidate John Maher, and State Treasurer candidate Diana Irey Vaughan for their victories tonight and we are excited to help elect them in November."
"We have an incredible Republican grassroots network in Pennsylvania and I am excited to unite and focus on delivering big wins for our entire Republican team. We look forward to supporting Mitt Romney and all of our Republican candidates as we keep Pennsylvania red in November."
No word on Gov. Tom Corbett's reaction to Welch's embarrassing defeat.
Corbett, according to sources, insisted the party back Welch over better-known candidates like former state Rep. Sam Rohrer, who finished second in Tuesday's voting.
The Welch debacle is the latest political kiss of death involving Gov. Corbett, who has a habit of backing losing candidates.
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