By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com

The Lackawanna County Democratic Committee endorsed Jack Wagner on Monday night, his gubernatorial campaign said Tuesday, giving the auditor general another boost from local Democratic officials.

“The committee has found Jack’s record as Pittsburgh City Council President, State Senator, and Auditor General to be outstanding,” said Harry McGrath, Chairman of the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee, in a statement. “He also has a proven track record as a statewide vote-getter.”

Wagner’s campaign has prided itself on running a grassroots-driven effort that emphasizes support from Democrats statewide, particularly in rural, conservative areas. The rank-and-file support is meant to counter the significant financial disadvantage Wagner faces against Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County executive who is considered the race’s early favorite.

He received a majority of votes from state committee members at the party’s endorsement meeting in early February, although he fell short of the two-thirds support necessary for an official endorsement.

The state’s northeast region could be up for grabs among voters after Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty ended his gubernatorial campaign last month.

Wagner also faces Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and state Sen. Anthony Williams in the Democratic primary, set for May 18.

Tags: Anthony Williams for Governor, Dan Onorato for Governor, Jack Wagner for governor, Joe Hoeffel for governor

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