Rendell: ‘Far too early’ to forecast 2010 governor’s race

A few hours after PolitickerPA.com reported on the crowded early field for the 2010 governor's race, the man who still has 2 1/2 years left in the governor's mansion said that anything and everything could change between now and that distant election day.

In an interview with PolitickerPA.com, Gov. Ed Rendell said all of the potential candidates to succeed him have their political upsides, as well as their downsides.

"It's far too early to discuss who is a serious candidate and who isn't, because between now and 2010, in politics that's like years," Rendell said. "Good things can happen to people, bad things can happen to people. Some outside event can make someone's candidacy; some outside event can break someone's candidacy."

Rendell, a two-term Democrat, said his party has a "very good" field so far, but cautioned that each potential Democratic candidate could make trouble for another.

He said Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham "brings a very good portfolio" of experience, but added, "the big question for Don is can he raise the money to run a big statewide race."

And he lauded Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, considered by some to be the early Democratic front-runner, for remaining popular "despite making tough decisions."

He added a little more impromptu analysis, saying that if Auditor General Jack Wagner makes a run, he could challenge Onorato for votes in the western parts of the state. And if Philadelphia millionaire Tom Knox declares his candidacy as is expected, Rendell said, that could be trouble for Thomas Wolf, Rendell's revenue secretary who is also said to be considering a run.

As for Onorato, Rendell said his biggest obstacle could be his pro-gun stance.

"Being pro-gun is almost a poison pill in the southeast," Rendell said.

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