Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) is considering a bid for governor, his office confirmed Wednesday night. In a statement released to the media following questions about his plans for 2010, Gerlach said he was carefully considering a statewide bid.

“I plan to make a decision in the coming weeks,” Gerlach said. “It is quite possible there may be five or six Republican candidates for Governor running by the time the dust settles. An enthusiastic primary for Governor gives all of us who consider ourselves leaders in the Republican Party an opportunity to prove that we have the ability and new ideas that can best lead the Commonwealth.”

Gov. Ed Rendell (D) is term-limited in 2010, and a crowded field of Democratic and GOP candidates is expected to vie to replace him. The governorship has changed hands every eight years in Pennsylvania since the 1940s, meaning Republicans have an excellent chance of winning.

Gerlach will be entering his fourth term in the House, following a 12-year career as a lawmaker in Pennsylvania’s Capitol. He has never won more than 52 percent in any of his races in his suburban Philadelphia district.

If he decides to run for governor, the 6th district will become a major Democratic pickup opportunity in 2010.