Senator Gebhard, challenger Crane face off at Berks Co. Patriots debate
About 200 people crowded into the Temple Fire Company in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, for a Republican candidates’ forum Thursday night. The Berks County Patriots hosted the gathering with the primary just over a month away. Supporters munched on hot dogs, pizza, and red beet eggs as the GOP contenders made their pitches.
The featured event was a debate between the Republican candidates in the 48th State Senate race. Incumbent Chris Gebhard faces a challenge from Clovis Crane. The district covers all of Lebanon County, along with parts of Lancaster and Berks Counties.
Gebhard was first elected to the State Senate during a special election in 2021, filling the position when predecessor Dave Arnold passed away. Gebhard won reelection in 2022. He owns his own insurance and risk management company and chairs the State Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He’s an accomplished local golfer.
Crane owns a thoroughbred horse farm in Bethel Township, Lebanon County. He was a former professional rodeo star. He currently helps coach wrestlers at Northern Lebanon High School.
Both candidates underscored their conservative credentials in their opening statements, citing to applause their support for upholding the Second Amendment, protecting unborn human life, and lowering taxes.
“I’ve been a fiscal conservative all my life,” Gebhard told the crowd. “My first day in office, we were broke. Now, our Rainy Day Fund is at $7.5 billion. That is being fiscally conservative.”
The senator touted an endorsement from State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-Chambersburg), a conservative stalwart who ran for governor in 2022.
Crane quickly went on the attack against Gebhard.
“I’m not a politician, but I’m fed up and it’s time for change,” he said in opening. “Our current senator says he will lower taxes. Why hasn’t he done it the last five years?”
The debate turned testy as the candidates accused each other of running negative campaigns. They sparred over questions about budget, taxation and regulation of skill games, and abortion.
The Democratic controlled State House of Representatives recently passed Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed budget. Now it awaits the Senate’s consideration. Gebhard says he will vote against it.
“We need to make cuts to the governor’s wish list budget,” he said. “We have to cut these numbers back. We can’t be bankrupting the state.”
Crane demurred.
“I respect his service, but he has not been willing to make these tough choices,” he said. “I’m willing to do it.”
The challenger criticized Gebhard’s support of Senate Bill 756, which would regulate and tax skill games.
“The tax will hurt VFW’s, American Legions, and other small businesses,” Crane said. “Senator Gebhard wants the money to go to government and the casinos who support his candidacy.”
Gebhard denied the policy will close small businesses, contending a majority of voters want it.
“I’m not caving into special interests,” the incumbent responded. “This is a gambling issue, not a small business issue. Skill games have gone unregulated and untaxed and people are saying ‘no.’”
Crane defended himself against accusations he made pro-choice statements in the past, resulting in the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation announcing it had revoked its pro-life rating for him.
“This is ridiculous,” he said. “I’m 100 percent pro-life. This is a complete fabrication.” He went on to accuse Gebhard of voting against ending funding for research on aborted babies.
In his closing statement, Gebhard questioned Crane’s past registration as an independent while emphasizing his conservative record and dismissing claims he’s too liberal.
“There is only one candidate in this race who has been a lifelong Republican, one candidate endorsed by the [National Rifle Association] and one candidate endorsed 100 percent as pro-life,” he said. “Turning Point USA, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, gave me its highest rating.”
Crane closed his case with a promise.
“I’ll be a disruption,” he said. “This election comes down to one thing. Are we satisfied with the results of Mr. Gebhard or is time for a change?”
A father and son from Robesonia reacted to both candidates’ debate performances.
“I was leaning Gebhard before, but I have some questions and am somewhat undecided,” Barry Bryan told The Independence. “Both said things I like.”
His son Fox said both scored some points.
“I didn’t know or like Clovis as much coming in,” he said. “I need to find out more information, but I’m leaning Gebhard.”
There’s still time to decide before casting a vote. The primary is May 19.
Barbara Barr is a former reporter for WGAL in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley where she led political coverage that earned a Walter Cronkite Award.
