State Treasurer Barbara Hafer announced Tuesday that she would drop out of the Republican gubernatorial primaries, leaving only one candidate from the party in the race for Pennsylvania governor.
Attorney General Mike Fisher will no longer face any opposition for the GOP nomination for the Commonwealth's highest position.
Hafer cited the responsibilities of her current position as state treasurer as the key reason for dropping out of the race, especially given the recent economic problems in the state and the nation.
"With the economic downturn facing the country and facing us here in Pennsylvania, I feel it is imperative that I carry out my duties as treasurer without the distraction of running for the nomination of my party or in a statewide race for governor in November," Hafer said in a statement released Tuesday.
Fisher has not yet ruled out choosing Hafer as his running mate. Hafer acknowledged that this is a possibility, but added that it is a remote one.
"As of yesterday, she was keeping her options open," said Tim Ireland, Hafer's former campaign manager. "She will continue to serve as treasurer since that is her primary responsibility."
Hafer's withdrawal from the primary race will allow Republicans to put forth all their resources and support toward one candidate.
Fisher acknowledged that Hafer's decision will improve his chance for a successful campaign in the November election.
"This allows us to have a unified party at a very early stage," said Kent Gates, Fisher's campaign manager.
Dan Hayward, deputy political director of the State Republican Party, also recognized the opportunity the Republicans now have to defeat the Democratic candidate.
"This allows us to unify behind one candidate," Hayward said of the upcoming political race. "We're unified, determined and ready to go."
Fisher had already received the endorsements of both former Governor Tom Ridge and then-Lt. Governor Mark Schweiker in August. Additionally, even prior to Hafer's withdrawal, Fisher was expected to receive the endorsement of the State Republican Committee. Nonetheless, Hafer believed that she still could have run a strong campaign.
"I believe the experience gained [as state treasurer and auditor general] for the last 13 years would make me very qualified to be this state's next governor," Hafer said.
Hayward noted that Pennsylvania's Republican Party recognizes Hafer's commitment to the state of Pennsylvania in her position as treasurer.
"We commend Barbara for all her past accomplishments and all her accomplishments to come," Hayward said. "She is dedicated to her job and the position that the people of Pennsylvania elected her to."
Hafer found increased notoriety in 1990 when she was the state's auditor general. Hafer predicted that the state would face a $1 billion deficit, but after her warning was ignored, a large tax increase ensued.
On the left, both former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell and current Auditor General Robert Casey Jr. are vying for the Democratic nomination in May's primaries.
