Former county GOP Chairman Chet Beiler (left) is weighing another run for state auditor general, and is seen as a strong contender to challenge incumbent Democrat Jack Wagner in this year’s election, Republican officials say. “Chet has spoken with our chairman, Rob Gleason, and he has expressed an interest in running,” Michael Barley, a spokesman for the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania, said today. “Our chairman thinks he would be a great candidate and would support him if he runs,” Barley said. “They’ve been talking for a little while. Last week, we got a sense that Chet was definitely interested in running.”

Beiler, who lives near Manheim and is chief executive officer of Amish Country Gazebos, declined to confirm his interest, but said in an e-mail after the New Era’s print deadline: “We will have more information at the Republican Convention on February 9th.” His interest in seeking the post of the state’s top fiscal watchdog is well documented. He sought the state GOP’s backing for auditor general in 2003, but stepped aside when another candidate drew stronger party support. Wagner (right) won the 2004 election, and earned the Democratic Party’s endorsement for a second term earlier this month. Wagner is a former state senator and Pittsburgh City Council president.

Beiler is a GOP committeeman who served two two-year terms as chairman. He most recently sought the party endorsement for the state Senate seat vacated by Noah Wenger in 2006. Mike Brubaker, an ag consultant from Warwick Township, ultimately won the party backing and the 36th Senate district seat that year. Capitolwire.com, an online news service, reported this morning that David Sanko, former chief of staff to Gov. Mark Schweiker, is also interested in running for auditor general. He is expected to decide by the end of the week whether he will do so. Today begins the three-week period potential candidates are able to circulate nomination petitions for office. The state GOP meets in early February to endorse candidates.