Gubernatorial candidates go a-courting at Pennsylvania Society gathering

The 115th annual Pennsylvania Society event, when the state’s political movers and shakers descend on New York City for parties and networking, has wrapped up.

This year’s event represented the unofficial kickoff of the gubernatorial campaign.

Pennsylvania Society is jokingly referred to as Pennsylvania prom. And there is something high schoolish about the close proximity of eight competing Democratic candidates for governor.

Among the expected frontrunners is U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, who was one of the candidates to speak at an event before a largely Republican audience.

“This has been my first invitation. Even as a member of Congress from 10 years, this is the first time I’ve been invited,” she said. “And so that is a good opportunity — I think they recognize and very keenly that there may well be new leadership and maybe there ought to be new leadership.”

The eight candidates who have declared their intention of taking on Gov. Tom Corbett first will have to get through the crowded Democratic primary.

They spent the weekend making their case to potential supporters and donors.