York County lawmakers and the chair of the county's Democratic Party reacted to charges facing former state Rep. Steve Stetler with a mix of skepticism and surprise Tuesday.

Each began his comments by pointing out that Stetler remains innocent until proven guilty.

Here's some of what they had to say:

---"I was certainly surprised to hear the charges, as will anybody who reads about this, I think," said Mike Johnson , chairman of the Democratic Party of York County, who has known Stetler for more than 30 years. "These are charges. They're allegations. We all hope that it's not part of a purely political kind of process, that there's some evidence behind it.

---"Steve's a friend, so obviously I'm aware of what happened and sad about it," state Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York City, said of the charges. "He will certainly have his day in court."

---"I guess I'm a little surprised. I have worked with Steve up until his retirement from the House," said state Rep. Stan Saylor , R-Windsor Township. "We had a good working relationship."

---State Rep. Ron Miller, R-Jacobus, said the allegations don't sound like the person he knows.

Stetler "has been a friend over the years. I served in the House with him and know him as a good guy, and just wish him well," Miller said.

---State Rep. Will Tal lman, R-Reading Township, said state representatives will be evaluated individually when seeking re-election next year.

"Every individual legislator is judged on his or her merits," he said. "If there's corruption, it needs to be gotten rid of. The quicker, the better."

---State Rep. Seth Grove, R-Dover Township, applauded state Attorney General Tom Corbett on his investigation and said he hopes he "keeps up the good work."

"That line stands firm," he said of the split between duties as a legislator and campaigner. "You do the right thing from what the law says."

-- Reach Peter Mergen thaler at 505-5439 or pmer genthaler@yorkdispatch.co m, or follow him on Twitter at @ydcity.