By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com
LANCASTER — State Senator Anthony Williams finished a surprising third at the state Democratic Party’s gubernatorial endorsement meeting Saturday, but the Philadelphia lawmaker said he’s still hasn‘t officially decided to run.
He still needs to decide whether his candidacy can have the necessary support, both structurally and financially, before declaring, he said, and he wants to be “methodical” in his evaluation
“I’m not a normal kind of guy in this regard,” Williams said.
The senator emerged as a potential candidate two weeks ago, in the wake of Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox’s sudden exit from the race. Williams, who is African-American, said the remaining Democratic candidates were ignoring issues plaguing Pennsylvania, such as inner-city poverty and gun proliferation.
His candidacy already has raised $500,000, he said, with another half-a-million on the way. If true, he would have already raised more money than all of his primary opponents except Dan Onorato.
Although he hasn‘t even officially declared, Williams said he would ask Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel to depart the race and support his candidacy.
“I want to reach out to Joe Hoeffel to support Tony Williams and have one presumptive southeast candidate,” he said.
Hoeffel’s campaign manager said the commissioner plans to stay in the race.
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