GOP candidate for state auditor general withdraws

HARRISBURG - A Republican candidate has dropped out of the race for Pennsylvania auditor general. The decision by Chris Walsh leaves only one candidate for the GOP nomination: Lancaster County businessman Chet Beiler.

Walsh, an accountant from York and a political newcomer, said he decided to quit after Beiler pointed out problems with some of the signatures on his nomination petitions. Walsh had gathered only 28 signatures more than the required 1,000, and he said he concluded it would be futile to fight a challenge.

The GOP state committee had already endorsed Beiler when Walsh filed his papers less than a week ago.

The incumbent, Jack Wagner, is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

- AP