GOVERNMENT

Attorney General Josh Shapiro tells Erie crowd he's ready for 'next big fight' as governor

Shapiro addressed more than 100 Democratic supporters Tuesday evening in a parking lot outside of Lavery Brewing Co., less than a week after announcing his run for governor

Matthew Rink
Erie Times-News
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro talks with Tyler Titus, Democratic candidate for Erie County executive, as former Erie County Councilwoman Kathy Fatica listens in, following a rally in downtown Erie on Tuesday. Shapiro announced his bid for governor on Oct. 13, becoming the first Democrat to enter the 2022 race. Gov. Tom Wolf is term-limited.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro made Erie his 18th stop in less than a week since his long-awaited announcement that he's running for governor. 

Shapiro, appearing Tuesday evening in a parking lot outside of Lavery Brewing Co., told more than 100 Democratic backers that he "went to bat for you" when he brokered a 10-year contract between UPMC and Highmark that allowed Highmark patients to continue to have access to UPMC providers and that he's "taken on the big fights," by making sure that "the hushed whispers of the survivors" of the clergy abuse scandal were heard.

"We're ready to take on the next big fight," said Shapiro, who won Erie County in both his first run for attorney general and in his reelection campaign. "And I'm proud to be in this campaign to be your next governor and continue to fight for you, because right now families need help."

State Rep. Bob Merski, D-2nd Dist., who introduced Shapiro to the crowd, said if it weren't for Gov. Tom Wolf, a term-limited Democrat, Pennsylvania would look "a lot like Texas and a lot like Florida.

"When we're looking for our next governor, we need somebody who has the integrity and the discipline and the know-how," Merski said. "Josh Shapiro is that man."

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Proud of record

Shapiro, 48, told the crowd he wants to create solar and other green-energy jobs, build an economy "that lifts everyone up to finally address the systemic inequities that are holding us back." He said the state needs to invest more in mental health care.

He talked about fair funding for schools, saying, "The last time I read the constitution it doesn't just delineate certain ZIP codes. It's all of Pennsylvania."

"I've been proud to deliver real results," said Shapiro, a former state representative and chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "And I want you to know while I'm going to Harrisburg to do these big things, if they come for your voting rights, if they come from your reproductive rights, if they come for your right to organize, if they come to undermine our planet, I won't hesitate to use my veto pen."

Crowded GOP field

Shapiro, the only Democrat to enter the race, has already raised $10 million, his campaign announced Wednesday morning. He was the highest vote-getter of any candidate on the ballot in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. He also outperformed President Joe Biden by a 6-point margin in the Pittsburgh area. 

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Shapiro on Tuesday joked about the size of the Republican field, which includes former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, and state Sen. Dan Laughlin of Erie, who hasn't officially announced he's running yet.

"The difference couldn't be greater between me and my somewhere between 12 and 15 Republican opponents," he told the crowd. 

Later, Shapiro said neither Laughlin nor any of the other Republicans who are running are his focus at this point.

"They're going to now go through their process and nominate someone and I'll be ready for whoever they bring," he said. "And there will be clear differences between me and my Republican opponent, clear differences in our vision for the direction we want to take Pennsylvania."

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Shapiro encouraged those in attendance to "get off the sidelines" to make sure that Democratic candidates like Tyler Titus, who's running for Erie County executive, get the support they need on Nov. 2, before turning their attention to 2022.

Showing his support

On Wednesday, Shapiro formally endorsed Titus, saying in a press release that Titus "has the experience, passion, and vision to lead Erie County into its next chapter. We need to build a Pennsylvania that represents all of us — and I am proud to offer them my support."

“I am so honored by the Attorney General’s support,” Titus said. “Attorney General Shapiro has been a principled, effective leader for his whole career, including as the commissioner of Montgomery County. His support and guidance will be critical in our campaign's success, and ultimately in the success of my administration. I am grateful for his partnership.”

Contact Matthew Rink at mrink@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ETNrink.