Wagner leaning toward gubernatorial race

Auditor General Jack Wagner says he’s seriously considering a run for governor, and is much more interested in that job than in running for Senate. His comments, during a recent phone interview with pa2010.com, came four months after he said he was considering both races.

“I thought it through, and i decided the Senate race is not of interest to me,” he said, before quickly adding: “At this stage.”

Wagner would be formidable candidate in the Democratic primary, with a long record in elected office, relatively strong statewide name recognition and solid support from military veterans (he served in the Vietnam War).

“I am very seriously considering running for governor, and am leaning heavily in that direction,” he said.

Wagner said his experience and knowledge of Pennsylvania’s fiscal problems was a primary factor driving his decision, which he expects to make later this year.

“The next governor will continue to face significant economic challenges to make sure that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is run in a fiscally responsible way,” Wagner said. “Obviously we are living in very difficult economic times. … That requires good fiscal accountability in office to make sure government is run properly, without waste, fraud and abuse.

“I think I’m better suited to take on those challenges than other candidates,” he added.

Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox is also seeking the party’s nomination for governor. Dan Onorato and Don Cunningham, the executives of Allegheny and Lehigh counties, respectively, are widely expected to enter the race.