Smith-Ribner opts for Lt. Gov. race instead of Senate run

Former Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Smith-Ribner has decided to forgo her underdog run for Senate in favor of a bid for Lieutenant Governor.

Smith-Ribner, a Democrat, made the announcement recently on her campaign Web site. She had faced the nearly impossible political task of garnering money and attention in the high-profile primary between Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7). She said her decision was made “out of deference to many, many respected friends, [advisers] and supporters.”

In running for Lieutenant Governor, she becomes only the second Democrat to formally declare her candidacy for the office. But she still faces a steep uphill battle against former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel, who has built a formidable head start in fundraising and endorsements.

“As a Commonwealth Court Judge,” Smith-Ribner said, “I have had substantial involvement in major issues that will be impacted by the next Lieutenant Governor including education, job creation, a healthy business climate, community and economic development and emergency management services.”