Corbett moves toward running for governor
HARRISBURG - Two-term state Attorney General Tom Corbett has taken his first official step toward a run for governor.
HARRISBURG - Two-term state Attorney General Tom Corbett has taken his first official step toward a run for governor.
Corbett, 59, a Republican, filed paperwork today to form an exploratory committee after discussions with friends and family, a spokesman said.
"Pennsylvanians are looking for a leader with the experience to create economic opportunities for Pennsylvania families through tax cuts, cutting government waste and spending, reforming state government, and creating good family-sustaining jobs," Corbett said in a statement.
The paperwork filing allows Corbett to begin raising money and hiring staff for the 2010 race.
Corbett also announced members of his exploratory committee, among them some of the most influential names in state Republican politics. They include Bob Asher, Republican national committeeman, and Jack Barbour, CEO-elect of the Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney law firm, as cochairmen of his committee.
Christine Toretti, a Republican national committeewoman, will serve as a finance chairwoman. Sandra Schultz Newman, former Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice, will serve as an honorary chairwoman to the committee.
Corbett took office in 2004 with a pledge to focus on Internet predators and public corruption.
During his first term, he formed the Child Predator Unit, and last year, after an investigation into corruption in the legislature, he announced the indictments of 12 people connected to the House Democratic caucus, including former House Minority Whip Mike Veon. The 12 were charged with using state time and resources to further political campaigns.
Previously, Corbett served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania under President George H.W. Bush, as an assistant U.S. attorney under President Ronald Reagan, and as an assistant district attorney for Allegheny County.
In 1995, Corbett was named by Gov. Tom Ridge to finish the term of Attorney General Ernie Preate, who resigned in connection with a guilty plea to a federal mail-fraud charge. In 1997 Corbett returned to private practice, where he spent seven years before his election as attorney general.
Corbett's media adviser said he began considering a run for governor after winning big in November, an election dominated by Democratic victories nationwide.
"He got more votes last November than any Republican in Pennsylvania history," said adviser John Brabender. "People were calling him and saying, 'You're our best opportunity to run for governor and take back that office.' "
Corbett faces potential primary challenges from U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.) and Patrick Meehan, the former U.S. attorney for Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Corbett's filing came on the same day as a jury reached a guilty verdict in State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo's corruption trial. The federal charges were brought by Meehan.
Brabender said it was a coincidence.
"But it reminds you corruption exists in Pennsylvania and ending it needs to be a big priority."
Among the potential Democratic contenders for governor are Allegheny County Dan Onorato, Lehigh County executive Don Cunningham, and Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox. Former state Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf dropped out of the race last month, citing issues with his family business.