Congressman Smucker fends off primary challenge

(Lancaster)– Midstate Congressman Lloyd Smucker has defeated his opponent in the Republican primary race.

Manheim-area businessman Chet Beiler, who owns Amish Country Gazebos, lost for a second time against Smucker in the newly redrawn 11^th District, which covers all of Lancaster County and southern York County.

Belier deliberately ran a short campaign, with almost all his efforts going into the last three weeks. He tried to portray himself as the real conservative, giving Smucker the nickname “Liberal Lloyd.” It didn’t work.

After the results came in Tuesday, Beiler thanked a few dozen supporters who gathered at his campaign office in Manheim Township.

“We hope, going forward, [Smucker] will vote in a consistently more conservative manner,” said Beiler. “But we have to respect the outcome, and we do.”

Smucker issued a statement, thanking his family, supporters and volunteers:

“As a member of Congress, working alongside President Trump, we have already delivered historic tax relief for American families, unemployment rates have decreased, jobs have increased, unnecessary regulations are being eliminated and our nation is investing in our military again,” he said.

Beiler’s overall efforts were so low key, Smucker nearly skipped a candidate forum hosted by LNP and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry on April 30, saying he did not want to participate because Beiler had not mounted a real campaign.

Smucker eventually decided to participate and touted his record as a conservative in Congress. Smucker also had the backing of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County.

He will face Democrat Jess King in the November general election.