Hoeffel encouraged by gov poll
Former U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, of Montgomery County, has early lead in Democratic gubernatorial field and regional base, poll finds.
Hoeffel encouraged by gov poll
Former U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, now a Montgomery County comissioner, leads several announced candidates for governor among likely voters in the 2010 Democratic primary, a recent statewide poll found.
The survey also found that the Democratic governor's race is up for grabs - as would be expected this early in the campaign - with half the electorate undecided. In addition, 50 percent of Democrats labeled themselves liberal, compared to 29 percent who described themselves as moderate and 17 percent who said they were conservative.
"The real importance is it shows strong support for progressive ideas and policies," Hoeffel said. "I have sensed a vacuum in the gubernatorial race, a lack of a liberal voice, and the poll confirms that."
He said he was moving forward with an exploratory campaign, raising money and building an organization. In 2004, Hoeffel was the Democratic nominee for Senate, losing to then-Republican-now-Democrat Arlen Specter.
Hoeffel was supported by 15 percent of the poll's respondents, while Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and state Sen. Jack Wagner (D.,Allegheny) each got 12 percent - a lead for Hoeffel within the polls 3.5-percentage-point margin of error. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty drew 6 percent support, and Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox had 5 percent.
Onorato and Wagner oppose abortion rights, and Hoeffel thinks he has an opening as an unabashed liberal on social issues. (Doherty and Knox also support abortion rights.)
Moreover, the survey found a strong regional base for Hoeffel in the Philadelphia suburbs, where he has high name recognition after years in public office there. Hoeffel own 41 percent of the vote in the four suburban counties, while Wagner had 8 percent, Knox 7 percent, Onorato 3 percent and Doherty 2 percent.
With Philadelphia added in, the race stood: Hoeffel 30 percent, Knox 10 percent; Wagner 6 percent; Doherty at 4 percent and Onorato at 3 percent.
The survey was conducted for Hoeffel by the respected polling firm of Lake Research Partners. From Sept. 8-13, 800 registered Democrats who told interviewers they were likely to vote in the primary next year were surveyed by telephone.
"I was very encouraged," Hoeffel said.
Hoeffel has made Jim Matthews look foolish in Montgomery County and it looks like taxes are going to soar this year.— RBA- Hoefel has been "very encouraged" all his political life. Why don't you try and get a job Joe, and leave the mess you helped make, get cleaned up by some fresh talent. I have 25 family members votes at my fingertips, and you will not get a one.— FJG JR
