Pa. Dem leaders want no contested gov primary in '14
Pennsylvania Democrats should avoid an open primary in the 2014 governor's race, says state party chairman Jim Burn.
Pa. Dem leaders want no contested gov primary in '14
Thomas Fitzgerald, Inquirer Politics Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Pennsylvania Democrats are focused on re-electing President Obama, of course, but some of the most interesting sidebars among the state’s delegates, donors and activists at the national convention revolve around hopes of taking out Gov. Corbett in 2014.
“We have a real shot,” said state chairman Jim Burn, a Pittsburgh lawyer. “This is the most unpopular governor in the United States.”
Corbett’s approval rating was in the low 30s in recent polls. He supported requiring women to have an ultrasound before getting an abortion, and has slashed spending on social programs and education. “He thinks like a prosecutor in black and white, but as an executive you live in a gray world,” Burn said.
The chairman added that state party leaders agree it would be wise to unite behind a single candidate in the 2014 gubernatorial primary, to avoid an expensive brawl and conserve resources for the fight against Corbett in a state that historically does not turn out incumbent chief executives.
“There are a lot of conversations taking place,” Burn said. “We have a responsibility to vet this before the primary. Ideally we don’t want a contested primary.”
Among the Democrats earning buzz as potential governors: U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz; State Treasurer Rob McCord; Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski; Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro; Mayor Nutter; state Sen. Daylin Leach.
Former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, the party nominee for Senate in 2010, has begun hiring a small number of staffers to explore a governor’s race, Democratic sources say. Sestak brushed off a question about that in an email exchange with the Inquirer, making a joke – but neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Millionaire businessman Tom Knox, who ran unsuccessfully in the 2007 Democratic primary for Philadelphia mayor, has expressed interested in running for governor.
One name for you: Bob Casey.— wearenot
Just because the governor's unpopular now doesn't mean he's not going to win reelection (no matter how much I personally disapprove of him). Nothing wrong with a contested primary, this is a democracy after all.— meteo30- kinda weird you didnt mention casey, tom...— rabbit23
- In two more years, people will understand that all of the damage that the race based spending cuts Corbett made didn't create a single job in the private sector. Corbett's hope is that the economy recovers despite his policies.— MikeP
- Open primary should take place.
Dems don't have crazy tea party section that would push down an extremist candidate down the people throat.
Open election would creae enthusiasm— Seed - Mayor nutter. Lol. Any Philly democrat.
Compare the multiple annual tax increases of the philly democrats with Corbett. And All to support third world style corruption. Second term is a no brainer.— PhillyNetTaxPayer
You can reach Tom Fitzgerald at 215-854-2718 or tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.
Reach Thomas at tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.
