The first debate of the Democratic primary for Governor is on the calendar. A Harrisburg community group will host the event on June 5.
Alan Kennedy-Shaffer, president of the grassroots community group Harrisburg Hope announced today that it will be hosting the forum.
The group has invited a whole plethora of participants, extending invites to both announced and prospective Democratic candidates.
Invitees include Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Former Congressman Joe Sestak, State Treasurer Rob McCord, Former Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf, Former DEP Secretary John Hanger, Former DEP Secretary Katie McGinty, State Senator Mike Stack, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, and pastor Max Myers.
The non-partisan group also sent a courtesy invitation to Republican Governor Tom Corbett.
As of today Hanger, Myers, and Wolf, have confirmed that they will attend.
Schwartz’s staff said she was not confirmed for the debate.
Kennedy Shaffer noted Schwartz will be unable to physically attend as Congress is scheduled to be in session that day, but hoped to arrange a way for her to participate remotely.
The group also stated that it has received a fourth confirmation from a high-profile prospective candidate who has yet to officially announce their candidacy.
The event, a free, open-mic forum, will be moderated by Kennedy-Shaffer and will be located at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg at 6pm.
“We are honored to host the first forum with the 2014 candidates for governor,” Kennedy-Shaffer announced.
“We hope the community will join us on June 5 to talk about state issues, such as the budget, education, fracking, and transportation, and local issues, such as getting Harrisburg out of debt.”
This debate will be a starting event in the most-watched campaign in Pennsylvania, and what is likely to be one of the most high-profile races in the country over the next 2 years.
6 Responses
Can we call this new rule the ‘shit or get off the pot’ rule? I don’t disagree. Be man or woman enough to declare. Then you get to act like it.
An email that went out from Harrisburg hope today listed Sestak as invited.
So probably not him.
Politics PA should stream this live!
It certainly sounds like it would be Sestak..
…. however, I think Rob McCord has NOT actually made a formal announcement. His website still refers only to Treasurer and not Governor.
So, I was quite aware of that when I made my statement.
Recently, I’ve suggested to Dem leaders hosting County/Township dinners that they restrict speakers to announced candidates or current elected officials. This would cover Rob, until he officially announces for Gov.
So, speaking events (under my suggested rule) would exclude Sestak, as he is neither announced candidate or elected official.
I have also suggested an exception to my rule: Sestak can speak at any event, if I get to be the one to introduce him. 🙂
While I agree with David, I wager his opinion has a whole lot to do with this line:
“The group also stated that it has received a fourth confirmation from a high-profile prospective candidate who has yet to officially announce their candidacy.”
IE? Sestak.
No official announcement, no debate. That should be fundamental rule.