Tammy Alonso's Blog

Left of Centre

Hello, Joe

With his nascent campaign touting a recent poll showing him leading the field of candidates among likely Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel has decided to throw his hat into the ring in the race for governor.

Although that same poll shows 50 percent of voters still undecided and only 15 percent voicing their support for Hoeffel—mostly due to leftover name recognition from his 2004 Senate run—starting at the front of the pack sure beats starting at the back. And with Hoeffel positioning himself as the progressive alternative to more conservative Democrats like Auditor General Jack Wagner and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Pennsylvania Democrats will not only have a wealth of viable candidates from which to choose in next spring’s primary, but, with any luck, we’ll also be treated to a rather lively campaign season as the candidates stake out and defend their differing views and policies.

I’m looking forward to it!