Upstart Challenger Prevails in GOP Primary For Montco Commissioners
By Jim Melwert
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- There was an upset yesterday in the Republican primary for the Montgomery County commissioners.
Joseph Gale captured one of two spots on the Republican ticket for the Montgomery County commissioners.
It was a surprise victory, as the 26-year-old ran without the backing of the county's Republican Party and, rather than attending organized events, holding small gatherings inside the homes of his supporters.
Gale beat out Lower Merion Township supervisor Scott Zelov by about a thousand votes.
Joining Gale on the GOP ticket will be West Norriton Township supervisor Steve Tolbert, who was GOP-endorsed.
Gale, who is from Lansdale, criticizes the county GOP on his web site, saying traditional conservative values have become mere campaign rhetoric.
Tolbert and Gale will face incumbent Democrats Josh Shapiro and Val Arkoosh in the fall for the three county commissioners' seats. Shapiro and Arkoosh were unopposed in the Democratic primary.