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Freindly Fire

Bob Asher: GOP Leader on a Mission

by Chris Freind

(First in a three part interview with John McCain's statewide chairman. Read Part two under Friendly Fire.)

Many call him the Godfather of Pennsylvania GOP politics. He raises millions for Republican causes and candidates, is actively involved in grooming the Party's leaders of tomorrow, and is one of the longest serving Republican National Committeemen in the country. His endorsement carries tremendous weight, and he has an indisputable track record of success in steering his candidates to victory. For these reasons, Senator John McCain tapped him to serve as his statewide Chairman in Pennsylvania. Given the Keystone State's pivotal role as perhaps the most important battleground in the country, such a position carries an enormous level of influence. What kind of heavyweight merits that level of trust from a presidential candidate?

Meet Bob Asher.

Asher is co-Chairman of Asher's Chocolates, the world-renowned maker of high-end confections. A family business since 1892, it has experienced significant growth under Asher's reign. While he maintains a steady hand at the helm of the company, especially critical in the current economic climate, it is apparent that Asher's first love is politics. He has been actively involved in the GOP for the last sixty years, and is a past statewide chairman of the party. Despite his success, Asher is no stranger to controversy, and has experienced the ups and downs that come with being a leader. To this day, he continues to face a cadre of political opponents---within his own Party--- who are attempting to wrest control away from him and take the GOP in another direction.

Casting his detractors aside, Asher looks forward to a McCain win in November and continued Republican stewardship in Washington and Harrisburg. With an energy and passion of someone half his 70 years, Bob Asher is more engaged in politics than he has ever been. Freindly Fire recently sat down with him to discuss GOP politics, the election, and the future course of America.

Freindly Fire: In early 2007, the Montgomery County Republicans were concerned they were going to lose their governance of the county. Since District Attorney Bruce Castor was considered a popular Republican, the Party asked him to run for Commissioner alongside incumbent Commissioner Jim Matthews. While Matthews and Castor didn't always see eye-to-eye, as running mates they waged an effective campaign. Both won, allowing continued Republican control of the county.

After their victory, however, Matthews and Castor had a falling out over the chairmanship. Matthews allied himself with minority Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, thus giving partial governing control to the Democrats. From your perspective, why did he do this, and what were (and are) the underlying causes of conflict within the Montgomery County GOP?

Bob Asher: Both men have their own stories, but I think the person who could probably tell you which story is true is (Montgomery County Democratic Commissioner) Joe Hoeffel. But I don't want to stir up my opponents. (New Montgomery County GOP Chairman) Bob Kerns and I are working very well together, and I think we're going to get some good things done this Fall, which will hopefully carry over (into next year).

So Castor is off my radar screen. He had his fun last Fall, taking a run at me every day of the week. But I'm still here. I'm the Energizer Bunny!

FF: Did you agree with Commissioner Matthews' decision?

BA: I think sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt, and I think Joe Hoeffel can tell you who it was that approached him first. But I'll let Joe Hoeffel answer that.

FF: There were numerous reports after the Commissioners election last Fall about an impending split between Commissioners Castor and Matthews. Did you intervene in order to head off the situation? Did any other leaders do the same in an attempt to stop the deal from being struck?

BA: It's never a good situation (the split). There were a lot of people who were hopeful that it wouldn't actually happen, but people have their own personalities and ideas, and they don't have to listen to people (trying to intervene). But yes, there were people who tried to make everybody work together---on both sides.

FF: Were you active in the Commissioners race?

BA: Well, Mr. Castor is on record as not wanting any help from me, but I was happy to help Matthews and the other Republicans.

FF: Let's talk about the state of the Montco GOP. There are some who view Matthews' action as a "stab in the back" to both Castor and the Party, especially poignant in this election year. The party remains fractured. Can that rift be repaired before the November election?

BA: I think it's less fractured now than people think. We have a new chairman, and I think he's done a good job. He has certainly reached out to me and other people I know. The McCain campaign and the county organization are working very well together. As a matter of fact, I'm about to call the chairman to ask him to be a greeter to John McCain the next time he comes to town.

FF: Given Montgomery County's influence, many believe it to be the bellwether county in the state. Since Pennsylvania is one of the most pivotal battlegrounds, it's not a stretch to think that Montgomery County could determine who wins the White House. Additionally, all state house members are several senators are up for election. Can the Party rebound in time to help elect John McCain and the Republican slate?

BA: As far as I'm concerned, yes, for a number of reasons. One, the rank and file are absolutely fed up with the bickering and factionalism. Two, the new chairman, Bob Kerns, has reached out and we are all working very well together. A great example is Todd Stevens' run for the state house against (incumbent) Rick Taylor. Todd worked in the DA's office, and now that he is running, everybody is helping him in his campaign. I'm sure if you ask Mr. Stevens, he'll tell you that I've been extremely supportive, and I know that the county is supporting him. We're actively supporting state house members and the people running for Congress (Congressmen Charlie Dent and Jim Gerlach and challenger Marina Kats).

So I see a lot of good things happening and I think Bob Kerns is going to do some things that are going to add excitement. We are the Keystone County in the Keystone State! In my opinion, John McCain doesn't win the presidency if he doesn't win Pennsylvania. No question about it.

And I think we have an excellent shot at winning Pennsylvania!

Chris Freind can be reached at CF@TheBulletin.us

(Parts Two and Three will appear in the Bulletin on August 5 and 6)