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Schwartz gets backing of electricians union

PHILADELPHIA Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the most politically active unions in Pennsylvania, handed U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz a $100,000 check Wednesday night as it endorsed her in next spring's Democratic primary for governor.

PHILADELPHIA Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the most politically active unions in Pennsylvania, handed U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz a $100,000 check Wednesday night as it endorsed her in next spring's Democratic primary for governor.

The electricians' union, led by its influential business manager, John J. "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, held a fund-raiser for Schwartz at the union hall in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia and announced its own massive contribution to the effort.

Unlike most states, Pennsylvania puts no limits on the size of contributions to candidates for state office.

"It is great to receive such an important endorsement from hardworking men and women in Philadelphia," Schwartz said in a statement. "As governor, I will make representing the interests of working families one of our commonwealth's highest priorities."

Local 98 has poured millions into city and state campaigns over the years, and is known for putting boots on the ground for its favored candidates as volunteers.

"When they endorse, they're committed, and that's what you need," said strategist Kevin Washo, former executive director of the state Democratic Party, who is not working for one of the candidates for governor. "This is very good for Allyson's campaign."

At least eight Democrats are seeking the nomination to challenge Gov. Corbett, who is considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the nation.

Though Schwartz, whose district includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, has led the field by varying margins in recent polls, the surveys also show a large bloc of undecided voters, indicating a primary that is up for grabs.

One of those Democrats, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, brought his campaign to Philadelphia on Wednesday, blasting Corbett for the state's slow job growth. Another, former state Revenue Commissioner Tom Wolf, announced that he had raised nearly $2.9 million on top of $10 million of his own money he has pledged to put in.

Corbett, meanwhile, was endorsed by the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, which credited his "pro-growth" policy in regard to Marcellus Shale natural gas development.