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Shapiro may run for Lt. Gov.

State Representative Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery) is being encouraged to dive into the relatively empty Democratic field for Lieutenant Governor, and when Harrisburg’s contentious budget negotiations are over, he may do just that, a Democrat close to Shapiro told pa2010.com.

“It’s something he will look at seriously,” the Democrat said on condition of anonymity because Shapiro hasn’t made any decision. Shapiro, the Democrat added, is not currently making moves toward the race, and will not consider doing so until a new budget is in place.

A little over two months ago, Shapiro was laying the groundwork for a Senate bid. But he quickly called that off when Senator Arlen Specter defected to the Democrats. The thee-term Montgomery County lawmaker would surely be a strong candidate if he ultimately enters the race. In his short time in Harrisburg, he has crafted a reformist reputation, even though that hasn’t always endeared him to legislative leaders. He has been praised by Gov. Ed Rendell and others as one of the party’s rising stars, and his public profile got another recent boost when he was named to President Obama’s health care reform panel of state legislators.

Known as an energetic campaigner and fundraiser, he had about $612,000 in campaign cash last month, according to campaign finance data. He raised another $200,000 in one night at a recent fundraiser, the Democrat close to Shapiro said.

Shapiro’s political director did not return calls seeking comment on Tuesday.

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel is currently the only Democrat to say he is seeking the party’s nomination for Lt. Gov., and he has been using his time alone in the field to build an impressive head start. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is also considering the race. With many party leaders expecting the top-ticket gubernatorial nominee to come from western Pennsylvania, Shapiro would provide the same kind of geographic balance to the ticket. And unlike a run for federal office that would have restricted his use of campaign funds raised by his state political action committee, he would be free to roll whatever money he has directly into a race for Lt. Gov.

Even though some insiders peg his immediate ambition for higher office to the perception that he has alienated some lawmakers in Harrisburg—he was one of the first Democrats to call for former House Speaker Bill DeWeese to step aside—Shapiro and his proponents wave this off.

“He did the right thing, but I think it’s probably hurt him with some of the Old Guard in the Democratic Party, the guys who don’t like reform and were probably a little jealous of Josh’s high-profile role,” Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, a mentor of Shapiro’s, told pa2010.com in a recent interview. “I’m proud of Josh. He’s stuck by his guns and stood against some of the old practices.”

Asked what role that was playing in Shapiro’s thinking, the Democrat close to him said simply: “None.”

•Also on pa2010.com: Saidel’s head start in Lt. Gov. race growing formidable

With less to lose and an open field, Shapiro inches toward Senate race

July 8, 2009 at 8:00 am

--Dan Hirschhorn

Tags: Chris Doherty, Jonathan Saidel, Josh Shapiro, Lt. Gov.

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