It was quite a week for the state’s gubernatorial race, as yet another candidate jumped into the race and national figures have emerged to endorse their favorites. All the while, however, plenty of news happened under the radar in this increasingly intriguing race

Schwartz

Congresswoman Schwartz made news on multiple fronts this week, starting with a critique of Governor Corbett. Corbett, who is pursuing his own private form of Medicaid expansion, asked the federal government for a waiver for approval of his plan. Schwartz, however, favors the full Medicaid expansion that is paid for by the federal government.

“After years of delay, Tom Corbett filed a wavier [sic] that might address his political vulnerability but doesn’t address the need to expand Medicaid for the 500,000 Pennsylvanians that need affordable quality health coverage,” Schwartz’s spokesman Mark Bergman said. “As Governor, Allyson Schwartz will take the right approach and expand Medicaid for Pennsylvanians that need access to critical health care services.”

Schwartz also scored a victory from, and took a stand for, the same-sex marriage community. First, her campaign won the backing of Adrian Shanker, the former President of Equality Pennsylvania.

“Allyson has never relented in the fight for LGBT civil rights. She has been an outspoken leader on marriage equality since 1996, when she was one of only a small handful of state legislators who opposed our state ban on same-sex marriage,” Shanker said. “I know that as our next Governor, Allyson will continue this lifelong push for a more equal Pennsylvania by fighting for marriage equality and non-discrimination protections for LGBT Pennsylvanians.”

“Our campaign is strengthened every day by a broad base of support because Pennsylvanians are ready for a new Governor that will embrace equality, progress, and opportunity for every Pennsylvanian,” Schwartz said in acceptance of the endorsement.

Additionally, Schwartz sent a letter to the President & CEO of Highmark Inc., urging him to permit family coverage for same-sex couples.

“If I am elected governor in November, I will move immediately to repeal Pennsylvania’s ban on gay marriage, and I will seek to enact a law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity,” she promised. “In the meantime, many of our state’s insurers and employers are taking the lead in recognizing the importance of equal treatment for LGBT couples in health coverage. I urge Highmark to join them.”

McGinty

Meanwhile, Katie McGinty picked up the support of three local officials during a stop in Bethlehem just a day before winning the endorsement of former Vice President Al Gore. Those three elected officials were Bethlehem City Controller David DiGiacinto, Bethlehem City Council President Willie Reynolds, and Bethlehem City Councilman and Chair of the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee Michael D. Recchiuti.

“As someone who grew up the ninth of ten kids to a police officer and a hostess at a restaurant, Katie McGinty understands and will fight for working families,” Recchiuti said. “As a Democrat who cares about these issues, I know that Katie will deliver when she says she will fight to raise the minimum wage and work to rebuild the middle class.”

“I am honored to have the support of David DiGiacinto, Willie Reynolds and Michael Recchiuti,” McGinty said. “They are leaders in the Lehigh Valley, and their support is a big boost to my campaign and shows that I can compete in every region in the state.”

Hanger

Finally, John Hanger announced today that he is embarking on a three-day, five-county visit to Northwest PA. The “West-by-Northwest” tour will run from Friday to Sunday.

“We have such great supporters and volunteers in Northwest Pennsylvania, that I am looking forward to a really enjoyable and busy three days and nights,” Hanger said.

The full schedule is included below:

Friday, Feb. 21
DuBois Democratic Dinner
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Fairfield Inn, 2219 Bee line Highway (Just off I-80, Exit 101), Dubois

Saturday, Feb. 22
Elk County Dems Breakfast
8:30-10:30 a.m.
The Royal Inn, 17089 Boot Jack Rd. (US Rt. 219), Ridgway

Jefferson County Dems Lunch
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Plyler’s Buffet & Family Restaurant, 234 Allegheny Blvd. (100 Yds. off I-80, Exit 78), Brookville,

Venango County Dems Wine and Cheese
3:00-5:00 p.m.
AFSCME Hall, 1276 Liberty St. (US Rt. 322), Franklin, PA 16323

Erie County Dems Social
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Ambassador Conference Center, 7794 Peach St., Erie, PA 16509

Sunday, Feb. 23
Radio Intervew at the Market Place Gazette – Erie
PRIVATE
9:00 a.m.

Appearance at the Unitarian Universalist church – PRIVATE
10:30-Noon

Town Hall Style Interview at the CATTV Studios – Erie
PUBLIC 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Meet and Greet at the Erie County Democratic Headquarters
Public 5:00-7:00 p.m.
1305 State Street, Erie