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Al Gore discusses his film "An Inconvenient Truth."

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore has formally endorsed Katie McGinty in her bid to become the Democratic nominee for governor of Pennsylvania.

Gore called McGinty his "great friend and trusted former colleague," and said, "I strongly urge others to join me in supporting Katie McGinty for governor of Pennsylvania."

The explicit support from the national Democratic heavyweight and Nobel Peace Prize winner is a major coup for McGinty, who's trying to distinguish herself in a seven-way race.

It's no surprise that McGinty would have Gore's support, given their history, but Gore's public endorsement is something of a surprise. It is by far the highest profile endorsement in the race thus far.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie McGinty (PennLive photo by John L. Micek)

McGinty got her political start as a fellow in Gore's senatorial office, after which she was hired to stay on his staff, working on climate and environmental issues.

McGinty also served in the Clinton/Gore Administration as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and later served as an advisor to Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign.

"I strongly endorse Katie McGinty for governor," said Gore. "She shares my belief that we can build a better country and improve the lives of hard-working families. Katie has always viewed environmental challenges as economic opportunities. She knows how to create jobs—while protecting the environment. And she has the intellect, leadership skills, and optimistic, can-do attitude to build a better and more prosperous Pennsylvania.

"Katie has always believed that we can create jobs and economic growth, while protecting our environment. And she has the record to prove it," Gore said.

During her tenure as first woman to head the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Gov. Ed Rendell, Gore said, "She attracted clean energy companies to Pennsylvania, bringing a billion dollars in new investment, and creating 3,000 jobs. Under Katie’s leadership, Pennsylvania became number one in the country in wind energy jobs, number two in solar, and a pioneer in energy efficient technology and systems. She knows that good environmental policy is also good economic policy."

It's unclear if the former vice president's support will extend to stumping for her during the campaign, but the endorsement alone can't hurt - either in lending McGinty gravitas or in fundraising.

The race is expected to be both expensive and bruising.