Dems to hold straw poll for guv race

State Democrats will conduct a straw poll to raise money and gauge which gubernatorial candidate has the most party support at next month’s state committee picnic, the party said Tuesday.

The results will be non-binding, and will be open to anyone who purchases a $30 ticket to the Aug. 28 picnic in Camp Hill. The party says the straw poll “creates enthusiasm while raising money for the Party.” The catch? A $1000-”sponsor” of the event can significantly sway the results by putting 100 votes toward their candidate.

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, state Auditor General Jack Wagner and Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox are running for the party’s nomination, while Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and Montgomey County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel are also considering the race.