Sen. Vincent Hughes Endorses Onorato

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

PHILADELPHIA: State Senator Vincent Hughes, who has represented West Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania House and Senate for more than 22 years, endorsed Dan Onorato for Governor today. A graduate of Temple University, Senator Hughes (D-7) is the Caucus Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus and the former Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. His district, one of the most racially and economically diverse in the state, encompasses most of West Philadelphia, portions of North and Northwest Philadelphia, as well as Springfield and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County.

“Getting an endorsement from such a distinguished legislator, from such an important part of southeastern Pennsylvania, at this critical time in the campaign is an incredible honor,” Onorato said. “Senator Hughes has been a champion for education and an advocate for working people. He’s carefully considered all the candidates and I’m proud to have his support.”

“After much thought and deliberation with my supporters and policy advisers, I believe that Dan Onorato has the best policies to take Pennsylvania into the future,” Senator Hughes said. “His commitment to fully fund the Costing Out Study, which has already made significant strides in the performance of our public schools, and his willingness to use his experience to revitalize devastated cities and towns, which have been neglected for far too long, makes him the best
choice to move Pennsylvania forward. Utilizing Dan’s experience, we will be best positioned by interconnecting the strategy of combining an unwavering commitment to education, with a proven record on community based economic development.”

“The people of Philadelphia and Montgomery County know that to advance Pennsylvania, we must be bold and innovative. And we must also make the best decisions working with the people who have the best set of experiences. Dan Onorato fits those qualifications, without question,” Hughes said.

Senator Hughes currently serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. In recent years, he has been involved in several major West Philadelphia economic revitalization projects including the Park West Town Center retail complex in Parkside, the Cira Centre in University City, and the Lucien Blackwell Homes in Mill Creek. In 2006, Senator Hughes helped lead the way to enacting legislation that increased Pennsylvania’s minimum wage.

Over the course of the primary campaign, Onorato has brought together a diverse and influential group of southeastern Pennsylvania legislators. Last week, he earned endorsements from State Representatives Steve Santarsiero (D-31), John Galloway (D-140) and Thaddeus Kirkland (D-159). Earlier endorsements include Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-170), Tony Payton, Jr. (D-179), and Mike Gerber (D-148), as well as Senators Andy Dinniman (D-19) and Daylin Leach (D-17). Senator Hughes is the second West Philadelphia elected official to support Onorato, who has the endorsement of West Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4).

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