Former state DEP Secretary Hanger to run for governor

HARRISBURG -- Former state Department of Environmental Protection secretary John Hanger said today that he will announce a bid for governor later this week.

Mr. Hanger's announcement -- with events planned in Philadelphia and Harrisburg on Wednesday and in Pittsburgh on Thursday -- will make him the first of an handful of Democrats who will challenge Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.

In a brief phone interview this afternoon, Mr. Hanger, 55, said he would offer a broader look at his positions and policies during his announcement events later this week.

"I'm looking forward to the race and to discussing the critical issues," he said. "We're certainly getting going early."

Mr. Hanger, a Harrisburg attorney, served as DEP secretary under Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and was a commissioner on the state Public Utility Commission for five years. He also was president of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, an environmental advocacy group.

In addition to Mr. Hanger, a number of other Democrats have been mentioned as potential candidates for the 2014 governor's race. Those include York businessman Tom Wolf, former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak of Delaware County, Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox, and state Treasurer Rob McCord.

Laura Olson:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or 717-787-4254.