Wagner, Paterno, wild cards in top Pa. contests

    At the 11th hour, two men with better-than-average name recognition jumped into the already crowded races for the Democratic nominations for Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor.

    Former state Auditor General Jack Wagner and Joe Paterno’s son Jay Paterno revealed their intentions Thursday at the outset of the three-week period for candidates to gather petition signatures for the May 20 primary ballot.

    What effect, if any, Wagner and Paterno will have on the campaigns is an open question.

    Political observers say the 66-year-old Wagner could be a contender if he raises enough money to get his message on TV. But the candidacy of 45-year-old Paterno, who is harder to read as he makes his first run for elected office.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal