Welch for Senate

Welch's first successful company developed patents to make flu shots more efficient. Another company looks for innovations in education. A self-described problem solver, he runs an incubator for fellow technology entrepreneurs. He calls himself a wonk, perhaps a sign that he won't pander to the anti-intellectuals who seem to have his party's ear.

Smith, 64, of Plumcreek Township, in Armstrong County, was a coal miner who started his own coal company. He credits his success to hard work and good employees. He is a grain farmer who owns car washes and a trucking company. While his life story is remarkable, Smith doesn't seem as open to closing the party divide in Congress, which is essential to curing government of its paralysis.

Welch, who was once a Democrat, does need to flesh out his predictable party-line stands on the issues. He wants to cut government spending and simplify the tax code. Who doesn't? He hits all the Republican Party's notes on the social issues. He opposes abortion and gay marriage, but sides with the gun lobby.

Like many self-made and self-funded candidates, Welch seems to think his business success has prepared him for one of the most intellectually demanding and powerful offices in the nation. But he has to make the case to voters that he can quickly learn how to become an effective advocate for Pennsylvania, and not disappear on the Senate's backbench.

Also running in the Republican primary are former State Rep. Sam Rorher; Marc Scaringi, an attorney who worked for Santorum as a Senate aide; and David Christian, an executive at a hydraulic equipment company.

Smart and personable, Welch is the superior candidate.