By DAN KRISTIE, Staff Writer

Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello said Monday he is no longer seeking the Republican nomination for the 6th District congressional seat.

Costello said he feels that while he could have garnered some support within the GOP, he would not have received enough to win the primary.

"I don't do something unless I can give it 110 percent," Costello said. "I have to feel in my head of heads and heart of hearts that I have a legitimate chance."

Until Costello's announcement, five Republicans were seeking the 6th District nomination.

Of those, Costello was the second to declare his interest. The first was state Rep. Curt Schroder, R-155th, of East Brandywine. Both made their candidacy announcements in July, shortly after incumbent Republican Jim Gerlach announced he would not run for re-election and would instead run for governor.

The primary battle between Costello and Schroder would likely have been a contest between a young moderate and a well-established conservative. Costello is 33, and Schroder has served in the state House since 1995.

But in September, Phoenixville area businessman Steve Welch, who had been seeking the 7th District Republican nomination, decided instead to run in the 6th District. Like Costello, Welch is 33 and a self-professed social moderate.

Welch's candidacy effectively took away Costello's uniqueness within the GOP field. Also, Welch has a considerable personal fortune and has shown himself willing to finance his own campaign.

Costello said he could have run effectively against the self-funded Welch or the well-established Schroder, but the presence of both in the field diluted whatever advantages he had.

"I felt like I was getting squeezed in both directions," Costello said.

Two other candidates in the 6th District GOP primary are Lower Merion resident Howard Cohen, who served as revenue secretary under Gov. Dick Thornburgh; and Wallace resident Pat Sellers, who has some involvement in Coatesville politics.

Costello said he does not take Sellers' candidacy seriously. But he said Cohen is a "question mark." Costello said Cohen could possibly be a powerful candidate. Still, Costello said he thinks that at this point the 6th District GOP primary will likely be a contest between Welch and Schroder.

Costello said he will not endorse a candidate. He said he plans to concentrate on his duties as recorder of deeds and to campaign for some 2010 Republican state House candidates.

"This isn't my swan song," Costello said.

To contact staff writer Dan Kristie, send an e-mail to dkristie@dailylocal.com.