For Immediate Release
January 13, 2010

Gerlach Said 'No' to Wall Street Reform, But 'Yes' to Over $1.6 Million in Campaign Cash

Ardmore, PA - Today Doug Pike blasted Congressman Jim Gerlach's record on Wall Street reform and donations from industries he was supposed to be regulating:

"The working families of Pennsylvania are hurting - that's got to
change," said Doug Pike. "Our economic and financial crisis started when Jim Gerlach and George Bush let Wall Street run wild.  For 8 years, Jim Gerlach and the Republican Party systematically dismantled the checks and balances that regulate our financial markets and replaced them with a system that rewards risk and greed. Now, 8 years later we find ourselves in the worst economy of our lifetimes." 

"Just last month, Gerlach voted to let Wall Street continue the same irresponsible practices that created this mess."

"What's worse is that his lax oversight shouldn't come as a surprise to residents of the 6th District because he has taken over $1.6 million from the finance, insurance, and real estate sectors in his career. Yet he sits on the House Financial Services Committee, which is supposed to be oversee and regulate these industries."

"On financial reform, he has kept his mouth shut and his hand out."

On December 11, 2009, Congressman Gerlach voted against the Wall Street Reform bill in the House. (HR 4173, Roll Call 968, 12/11/2009)

In his career, Gerlach has taken $1,670,352 in campaign contributions from the finance, insurance, and real estate sectors. (Center for Responsive Politics, Opensecrets.org)

Doug Pike served on the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Inquirer for 14 years, providing insight and analysis on a broad range of public policy for southeast Pennsylvania. He also served as President of a hospital for 10 years. Previously, Pike served as a Special Assistant and Speechwriter for U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas. In 1971, Pike graduated with honors from Princeton University.

The 6th District encompasses parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties.

Contact: 610-896-2162, drew@pikeforcongress.com

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