Four Hats in Dem. Gov's Race

As other Democrats withdraw from the race for governor, another candidate is just getting into the fray. State Senator Anthony Williams of Philadelphia is officially running for governor. The move comes a week after Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty dropped out of the Democratic primary an a few weeks after businessman Ton Knox withdrew. The longtime state senator claims he’s raised nearly two million dollars, and says he’s aiming for a four million dollar war chest, so he can run advertisements in the expensive Philadelphia and Pittsburgh television markets. Williams claims the money comes from a broad base of donors. He says, “They come from a variety of backgrounds. Who are interested in, obviously in controlling costs, controlling spending in government, educational choice, people who are concerned about unions in Pennsylvania. We have a cross-section of people who are supporting my candidacy.” The campaign has already hired three staffers, and opened up an office in Philadelphia. Williams says he’s not worried about his late entry, “Based upon the current situation, there’s about -- 72 percent of the folks in Pennsylvania don’t even know there’s a gubernatorial race. I’m very comfortable if I’m on television they’ll at least notice there’s another guy running.” Williams says he’ll push an economic platform, suggesting a program where the state would subsidize salaries of new employees in high-tech fields, in order to expand Pennsylvania’s science and manufacturing industry. Williams’ announcement brings the Democratic primary field back to four candidates. He’s running against Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Auditor General Jack Wagner and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel.