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Copyright 1996 States News Service States News Service April 15, 1996, Monday LENGTH: 1241 words HEADLINE: POLITICAL NEOPHYTE GEROW TAKES ON GOODLING BYLINE: By Mike Zapler, States News Service DATELINE: WASHINGTON BODY: YORK, PENNSYLVANIA -- The fact that Charles Gerow has never held public office is all the more reason to elect him to the U.S. Congress, as he sees it. The outspoken Cumberland County lawyer says his work outside of government makes him the type of "citizen legislator" needed to change the "go-along-to-get-along, business-as-usual mentality of Washington, D.C.". In politics lately, many candidates have touted their political inexperience as an asset. And Gerow, who was chairman of some political groups but lost three elections for state and county government positions, is attempting to paint himself as a fresh outsider ready to change the way Congress does business. "The go-along-to-get-along mentality of Washington is what we need to replace. That's what Bill Goodling represents," Gerow said in a recent interview. But it's an uphill battle for the 40-year-old Gerow, who has made railing against Washington -- and Rep. Bill Goodling, his opponent in the April 23 Republican primary -- the centerpiece of his longshot campaign. "Is this is a tough race? You bet it is," says Gerow, a garrulous man who is never at a loss for snappy barbs aimed at Goodling. The part-time government professor is relying on his communication skills, as well as a group of dedicated volunteers, to fuel his bare bones, grass roots campaign. In a David vs. Goliath-like matchup, Gerow faces a popular incumbent in Goodling, a committee chairman who has more money, wider name recognition and the backing of the GOP establishment. As of Wednesday, Gerow had spent about $35,000 on his campaign, and "although I'm not a rich man," he has lent his campaign $20,000 for the final 6