Eric Roe
Yet another twist and turn in the race to nominate a Republican to run against Democrat Susan Rzucidlo in the 158th District: Eric Roe won the endorsement of Chester County Republican Committee members Thursday night for a write-in campaign.
Lenny Rivera, who had been the endorsed candidate, first withdrew his nomination petitions over questions of whether he signed them, when they had been circulated by others; Rivera opted to end a write-in campaign last Monday. Shortly, thereafter, Perry Bentley of Unionville, announced he would seek the nomination via write-in.
It’s unclear what the impact on Bentley’s race will be with Roe getting the official endorsement from the county committee — as typically, that’s been a signal for all other Republicans to stand down. As this has already been an unusual year, with many norms already cast aside, it is at this writing, unclear what Bentley plans to do — he could not immediately be reached for comment.
Rzucidlo, already the presumptive Democratic nominee, said earlier this week she would also mount a write-in race to win the GOP nomination — suggesting that there is rising dissatisfaction among rank and file Republicans over the candidates being picked by the party elite, noting the issues with Rivera as well as Cuyler Walker’s aborted 2014 candidacy.
Roe, who currently is the administrative analysis for County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, expressed appreciation for getting the support of the party.
“I greatly appreciate the support and endorsement of the Republican Party,” Roe said in a statement issued by the county committee. “Over the next 26 days, I will work tirelessly to win the support and write-in votes of the GOP voters in the 158th District. To date, I have the commitments of over 75 volunteers who will join me going door to door to meet with voters and cover every polling location on Primary Election Day. The campaign is running on all cylinders.”
Party leaders seemed happy to put the chaos of the last few weeks behind them — and focus on the election.
“In Eric Roe, we have a strong and energized candidate with a great resume, who will be an independent common sense voice for families and small business owners in the 158th District. The Republican Committee is steadfast and united in their support of Eric, who will make an outstanding representative and leader,” said Val DiGiorgio, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Chester County. “We will fight hard to ensure that Eric wins the write-in for the upcoming Republican Primary.”
Roe holds a master’s degree in public policy from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University. Roe has been active in his community and assists numerous non-profit organizations throughout the county, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, serving as an American History Teacher for La Comunidad Hispana’s Pre-Citizenship Class and as an event volunteer for Chester County Women’s Services.
In addition to his non-profit work, Roe has served in developing countries as an interpreter and English teacher. He is fluent in French and Spanish.
