U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, the conservative “blue dog” Democrat who represents a wide swath of central Pennsylvania, endorsed Jack Wagner’s gubernatorial campaign Tuesday, saying he and the auditor general “share many of the same values” for Pennsylvania.

“Jack has the right plan for job creation and economic development at a time when Pennsylvanians are facing fiscal challenges,” Holden said in a statement. “He is a proven and trusted friend that my district and all Pennsylvanians can count on.”

Both men share a similar profil. While Holden, who voted against the health care bill, has carved out a reputation as a moderate Democrat, Wagner is considered by many the most conservative Democratic candidate running in the primary. Both men, who have served in Pennsylvania politics for decades, calls themselves “pro-life” and enjoy greater-than-average support for Democrats in rural, conservative areas.

Wagner faces Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, state Senator Anthony Williams, and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Recent polls have shown Onorato surging and Wagner sagging as he struggles to match the county executive’s financial advantage.

Tags: Jack Wagner, Jack Wagner for governor, Tim Holden

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