The candidate worked with Gore when she served the Clinton White House. Gore backs McGinty in Pa. primary

Former Vice President Al Gore waded into the Pennsylvania governor’s race Wednesday, endorsing Katie McGinty in the crowded Democratic primary.

McGinty worked with Gore when she served the Clinton White House as chairwoman of the Council on Environmental Quality, as well as a staffer for then-Sen. Gore and his 2000 presidential campaign.


“I strongly endorse Katie McGinty for governor,” Gore said in a statement released by McGinty’s campaign. “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.”

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McGinty is one of several Democrats trying to unseat Republican Gov. Tom Corbett in November. A recent Quinnipiac poll found McGinty leading Corbett 44 percent to 37 percent, a margin slightly smaller than some other challengers, including Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) and former Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner.

Aside from a five-year stint atop the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, McGinty’s political résumé draws largely from her work with Gore and in the White House.