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AP Takes Notice of Our Indifference To Pa. Guv Race

By PW Staff

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Mar. 29, 2010

You know that Pennsylvania governor’s race thing? The one that’s happening this year? In November?

Us neither.

And now the Associated Press is taking note of our extreme ADD-infused boredom as it pertains to the next commander-in-chief of Pennsylvania’s national guard. In a piece written this weekend titled TV Ads Could Enliven Democratic Race For Governor, AP writer Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings fame, er, the Capitol correspondent for the AP in Harrisburg) tries to remember a happier time -- 2002 -- when governor’s races were awesome.

“The 2002 primary race was closely watched nationally because the candidates had statewide name recognition that they had spent years cultivating and boatloads of cash to promote their campaigns,” he says. “This year's languid contest for the Democratic nomination lacks those ingredients.”

In 2002, we had Bob Casey and Ed Rendell. And at this point then, only 25 percent of voters were undecided, compared with 71 percent this year. Both had aired ads as early as February and had about $10 million on hand in the beginning of the year. Not so much this time.

As of yet, no Democrats have put up advertisements, even with the May 18 primary only a month-and-a-half away, and in spite of Terry Madonna, a Franklin and Marshall professor, being quoted in the piece as saying “Pennsylvania’s a TV state.”

Does that mean some states aren't? Throw us a bone, people. We’re having attack ad withdrawal.

In related and equally boring news, the Inquirer detailed how much money four guv candidates make per year – between $83,000 and $216,000 – and who’s in good enough health to make it through four years of Hell in Harrisburg. If we’re going with the candidate who can probably run a marathon, we’ve got to go with shiny-headed Mr. Cleany Joe Hoeffel. Moneywise, it’s Corbett, unless he gets locked up for using his cell phone during business hours, a crime almost worse than murder (for which there should be an ad against, right?)

It's worth noting, however, that state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, who was endorsed by M. Nutt last week, has yet to release his tax information to the good people of Pa., despite promises to the Inqwaster that he would do so. Mr. Williams, you're a Philly guy, so we don't feel shy about asking for your compliance in this matter. And naturally we'd like to know a little more about you before we decide to continue ignoring this race.