State Rep. Gerber Endorses Dan Onorato for Governor

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

CONSHOHOCKEN: State Representative Michael Gerber (D-148) officially endorsed Dan Onorato for governor today at a gathering of his supporters at the Great American Pub in Conshohocken at a 6:00 PM event. Joining Gerber and Onorato at the event was State Senator Daylin Leach, who endorsed Onorato in August. Both Gerber and Leach, known for their progressive leadership in Harrisburg, represent portions of Montgomery County.

Announcing his support, Representative Gerber stated, “Of all of the candidates for governor, both Democratic and Republican, Dan is the most prepared to govern, and, importantly, Dan gives Democrats our strongest chance of winning.”

Gerber cited as reasons for his endorsement Onorato’s progressive record of accomplishment in Allegheny County, including his focus on job development and reform. Under Onorato’s leadership, Allegheny County has cut government waste, consolidated government services to hold the line on government spending while developing into one of the most competitive business climates in the nation. There has been more than $10.8 billion in investment and development in the county since he took office.

“We need an executive who can guide us out of these challenging economic times,” Gerber said. “Dan has demonstrated the work ethic and know-how to do that,” Gerber added.

Citing Onorato’s positions on keeping our communities safe from gun violence, protecting the environment and ensuring the rights of women to make their own healthcare decisions, as well as Onorato’s leadership on progressive policies such as the smoking ban and Allegheny County’s non-discrimination ordinance, Gerber said, “it’s important to me that my supporters understand I’m backing Dan for Governor because he is not only ready to govern but he’s also progressive on key quality of life issues.”

“I am honored to receive Mike’s endorsement,” Onorato said. “He has proven himself to be a strong leader in Harrisburg, a true progressive and an invaluable resource to our party. I look forward to working with Mike to win in 2010 and to make the fundamental change Pennsylvania needs in 2011.”

Gerber was elected to represent the 148th legislative district in Montgomery County in 2004. He is now chairman of the House Democratic Campaign Committee, the statewide political arm of the House Democrats. Over the last two cycles, Gerber coordinated campaigns in the Southeast where the House Democrats claimed 10 Republican seats to take the majority in 2006 and then expand it in 2008.

In Harrisburg, Gerber voted against the infamous pay raise in 2005 and co-sponsored the legislation that repealed it. More recently, he successfully led fights to enact a statewide smoking ban and the states first-ever alternative fuels bill. Gerber has been the lead Democrat in an ongoing effort to improve Pennsylvania’s business tax structure. He also has worked with Sen. Leach and others on choice issues, such as ensuring the availability of emergency contraception, and on major government reform issues, such redistricting and campaign finance reform.

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