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Wagner: ‘Some things don’t work out the way you want’

PITTSBURGH – As rain fell across Pennsylvania for most of Tuesday, Jack Wagner’s gubernatorial campaign held on to a glimmer of hope that a lower state turnout coupled with the intense 12th District special election just might be enough for an upset victory in the Democratic primary.

But as results came in from Allegheny County—a critical base shared by both Wagner and eventual winner Dan Onorato—it became increasingly clear there would be no surprise endings.

“Unfortunately, in life, some things don’t work out the way you want,” Wagner said in his concession speech. “But that’s OK because we’ve learned a lot from this campaign. I say thank you, but at the same time … I haven’t given up the cause to make Pennsylvania better.”

He reminded his supporters who had gathered at a restaurant here that he would remain as the state auditor general for the next two years. Wagner said he plans to support the Democratic ticket in the general election, but promised to continue to be independent in his position as auditor general.

“Some people say I’m a pain in the butt,” he said, reiterating a line from a campaign ad. “And that’s OK because I’m a pain in the butt for the citizens of Pennsylvania.”

The Wagner campaign was vastly outspent by Onorato and state Senator Anthony Williams, but still came in second place over Williams. Eileen Wagner, the candidate’s sister-in-law and a top political adviser, said the advertising blitz from Onorato was just too much to overcome.

“Dan’s been up for six weeks,” she said, “and that makes a big difference. The money has been flooding in for six weeks.”

Both Onorato and Williams traded a number of barbs on the airawves, but never pulled Wagner into the fray. Eileen Wagner said her brother-in-law would not condone a negative campaign.

“That has never been Jack’s way to run a campaign,” she said. “From city council to state auditor general, he’s never run a negative campaign.”

The candidate wouldn’t speculate on if he’ll run in another state office race in the future. He said planned to analyze this race while focusing on his duties as auditor general.

“I’ll probably sit down and examine this,” Wagner said. “What is obvious is the low turnout. And that is due to apathy and voter content with partisan politics.”

May 19, 2010 at 1:17 pm

--Michael Jones

Tags: Dan Onorato, Jack Wagner

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