After months of flirting with a bid for Governor, State Senator Mike Stack (D-Phila) announced Thursday that he will instead run for Lieutenant Governor.
After representing Pa’s 5th district (Philadelphia) since 2001, Stack has seen an opening in the Democratic field for a candidate with a more pure liberal background.
“I decided to get in the race when I saw that the highest profile candidate currently running boasted an A rating from the NRA, a zero rating from pro-choice groups, a weak environmental record and even voted against critical Wall Street reforms in Congress after the great financial collapse of 2008,” Stack said, referring to former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz.
It has all the appearances of a major deal with Philadelphia Democrats. Stack’s biggest supporter, Congressman and Philly Dems Chairman Bob Brady, announced Thursday that he has endorsed Allyson Schwartz for Governor.
In a press release announcing his candidacy, Stack pushed his record on environmental laws, women’s access to healthcare, and ‘common sense’ gun laws.
He also announced that Brady and State Senator Shirley Kitchen will serve as his campaign Honorary co-chairs.
“At a time when women’s health care and sensible plans to address gun violence in our communities are under attack by Harrisburg Republicans and even some in our own party, we can count on Mike to be a strong and practical voice to defend our values,” said Kitchen.
Stack’s declared opponents in the race include Mark Critz, Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski, Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith and Harrisburg city official Brenda Alton. Prospective candidates include PSEA official Mike Crossey, State Rep. Brandon Neuman, and State Rep. Margo Davidson.
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6 Responses
Critz might have the highest profile in the LG Race, but some of that profile is not good. His uncouth joke at a DEMOCRATIC Women’s meeting is still remembered by women.
Welcome Stack to the LG race. I believe a non-descript career as a State Senator is not a ringing endorsement for the LG job.
Brad Koplinski is the only pure progressive Democrat in the LG Race.
The more the merrier in the LG Race. You just better have a committed base to bring to tje party.
The field is full, Mike. STAY OUT.
Attention Democrats in the East — the West isn’t going to work much for a Philly & Philly ticket. Corbett doesn’t give a damn about us out here in the West but neither do you. Maybe you think you don’t need the rest of the state, but Brady isn’t quite so hot at delivering the Philadelphia vote anymore — and hey, maybe there will be another SEPTA strike on Election Day.
Stack isn’t qualified to be a state senator, let alone lg or guv. he’s about as warm and cuddly as a porcupine.
So if this is going to get Governor Corbett reelected, then isn’t it wrong to call him “One Term Tom”? Wouldn’t this make him “Two Term Tom”?
I thought his getting all those Philly Dems (and Margo) to vote for the redistricting was the price he paid.
Brady endorses Schwartz? What a joke…guess he wants four more years of One Term Tom? Sounds like the Schwartz endorsement is Brady’s payback to GOP for the redistricting plan that saved his CD1 seat?