Rendell hits trail for Hirsh, other Senate Democratic candidates

Judy Hirsh and Ed Rendell touted their shared commitment to expanding health care access: Politicker Photo

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has been been particularly frustrated at what he calls Senate Republicans' "mean-spirited" efforts to block his health care proposals.

He's started taking it out on them on the campaign trail.

The governor Thursday campaigned for Democratic state Senate candidate Judy Hirsh, formally endorsing her despite what he says is his reluctance to campaign against incumbents. The two appeared together at a health clinic in midtown Harrisburg to tout their commitment to expanding health care access to Pennsylvanians, which Rendell said might happen only if Democrats make gains in the Senate.

Hirsh faces Republican Jeff Piccola in the 15th Senatorial District, which comprises much of Dauphin County, including the City of Harrisburg, and northern York County.

Campaigning against lawmakers he might need to work with later is carries risk, Rendell said, but Senate opposition to his health care programs forced him to cross the line.

"We've reached a situation in Harrisburg that I believe is truly intolerable," said Rendell, who spent much of the press conference detailing the back-and-forth negotiations between his office and Senate Republicans.

Republicans have argued the proposals are unwise at a time of financial distress.

Rendell said he has "nothing against Piccola personally," and even referenced a few instances of collaboration He also refrained from specifically attacking Piccola, instead laying blame at the feet of the entire Senate Republican Caucus.

Hirsh, however, had no problem criticizing Piccola.

"Jeff Piccola is just another typical politician who doesn't understand the needs of working people," she said.

She added later, "It's time for new leadership in central Pennsylvania."

Rendell also touted Hirsh's candidacy in its own right.

"Connie Williams loves you," Rendell told Hirsh when he arrived, referring to the chair of the Democratic State Senate Campaign Committee.

"It's good to be loved," Hirsh said.

Piccola isn't the only one to incur Rendell's ire. The governor said he is also campaigning against Sen. Jim Rhoades (R-Schuylkill County).

Even with Rendell's backing, Republicans will almost certainly retain control of the Senate this year. Williams has told PolitickerPA.com Democrats are just seeking to narrow the gap with Republican, which stands at 29-21.