Knox seeks support for 2010 gubernatorial run

DENVER-Amid the sea of political insiders throwing back cocktails here Monday evening, Tom Knox stood out.

The millionaire Philadelphia businessman is not a delegate to the Democratic convention. But as he lays the groundwork for a possible run for governor in 2010, Knox, who almost won the Democratic mayoral primary in Philadelphia last year, is seeking support from all corners of the state.

At a cocktail party for the Pennsylvania delegation, he meandered throughout the room, schmoozing with political stars up and down the state hierarchy.

"I haven't been trying to get party support just yet, I've been trying to get personal support," Knox told PolitickerPA.com.

Sooner or later, Knox is sure to increase his lobbying of state party officials, with Allegheny County Executive seemingly enjoying early support for the Democratic nomination from many party bigwigs.

Knox, for his part, waved off the idea that Onorato could be considered a front-runner.

"I think it's too early for anybody to say anybody's ahead," Knox said. "I'm just going to go out and work hard, tell people what I'm about."

Even though Election Day 2010 is more than two years away, both parties are already boasting a crowded early field of potential candidates from across the state. Knox, whose name recognition in the Philadelphia region could prove helpful in southeastern Pennsylvania, said he would not take other areas for granted.

"I think you have to be visible in all corners of the state," Knox said.

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