LANCASTER, PA — Former Gov. Tom Ridge used his national name recognition on Sunday night to help boost Chet Beiler's campaign for state auditor general.

Speaking at a fundraiser for Beiler, Ridge said he can relate to the Penn Township businessman's struggle to make a name for himself in a campaign against Democratic incumbent Jack Wagner.

Ridge said that when he was first campaigning for governor in 1994, he was like Beiler — a locally known figure battling to raise his profile across the state.

      Tom Ridge on campaigns

"When I first decided to run for governor, I had a lot of challenges, like Chet Beiler does," said Ridge.

Seeking the governorship as a U.S. Representative from Erie, Ridge recalled being known as "the congressman that nobody ever heard of from the city nobody's ever been to."

While Beiler faces an uphill fight, Ridge said the candidate's credentials and experience could prove decisive, even for a relatively new candidate seeking a somewhat obscure elected office.

"Believe me, experienced leadership in the states makes a difference and Chet will make a difference when he is auditor general," said Ridge, who left the governor's office to serve as the nation's first chief of homeland security from 2001 to 2005.

The auditor general is the chief fiscal officer of the state and performs audits of state spending.

Ridge spoke to about 200 dinner guests gathered under a white tent set up on a golf driving range behind the Rapho Township home of Ron and Hollee Kreider. Mrs. Kreider is Beiler's sister, and her husband is the president of Kreider Farms, a major producer of eggs and dairy products.

Beiler said the event, which included a private reception with Ridge, brought in about $110,000.

State Senate candidate Lloyd Smucker was the emcee for the dinner, and state Sen. Mike Brubaker introduced Ridge.

While Ridge spoke warmly about Beiler's integrity and experience, the former governor spent most of his 18 minutes at the podium discussing the presidential campaign.

Ridge lambasted Barack Obama's economic plan, specifically the Illinois senator's proposal to raise taxes for people making more than $250,000 a year.

"You've got a (presidential candidate) who thinks people that make $250,000 a year are rich, are affluent and they should pay a heck of a lot more tomorrow than they are paying today," Ridge said.

He added: "If you think ($250,000) is the threshold of success in America, you're not a Democrat small 'd' or big 'd,' you're a socialist."

Ridge also poked fun at Obama's call for change.

"Remember, believe in change? You better believe in change. Small change. Pocket change when he gets done with your paycheck," Ridge said.

In contrast to what he said was Obama's penchant for ducking controversial issues in the Illinois state Senate, Ridge called McCain a "man of great integrity and principle" who has won wide respect for his stances.

Ridge, a Vietnam War veteran, recalled a trip to that country after the war when a North Vietnamese communist official bragged proudly about helping rescue John McCain after his plane was shot down.

"Our allies and friends know who he is and know all about his experience and are comfortable with him — even our foes respect him," Ridge said.

Ridge also lauded Sarah Palin as a "fabulous choice" for McCain's vice president.

"She is authentic, she is real. We can all relate to her and to her family. And what an incredible loving family they are," Ridge said.

Speaking after Ridge, Beiler, a former county Republican chairman, said he is committed to using the office of auditor general to help change the "culture of corruption and waste" in Harrisburg.

"I'm running because I do want to do my part to restore confidence and faith in government," said Beiler, of Manheim.

The founder of Amish Country Gazebos, Beiler said he would bring an entrepreneurial point of view to the state job.

As a businessman "you wake up every morning saying, 'How can we do this better. How can we cut costs and still deliver a great product and excellent services,'" Beiler said.

"It is that kind of thinking, that mindset, I want to take to this department," he said.


Staff writer Chad Umble can be reached at cumble@LNPnews.com or 481-6031.