A Dem from God?
An under-the-radar candidate for PA governor in 2014 is a Pentecostal minister from Central Pennsylvania running as a Democrat. Meet Max Myers.
Though not yet formally announced, a Pentecostal minister from Central Pennsylvania says he's running for governor as a Democrat because of his passion for the values of William Penn: good government in which "everybody is honored, respected and valued."
Max Myers, 59, is no longer pastoring (he's running a small business, buying investment properties in Harrisburg and renting them) and is getting in the race because "somewhere along the line" he got tired of saying somebody who cares about issues such as poverty, urban transformation and civil rights should do so.
Here's his website.
In a brief chat with Myers (who was at the time busy addressing Christmas cards to the state's county Democratic chairs), he tells me there are too many social and political ills that too many people view as impossible to cure.
"I think anything is possible. And I have a vision and it's about leadership," he says.
He adds he's running as a Democrat -- even though Pentecostal Christians tend to be conservative Republicans -- because the issues that concern him are "really not on the Republican Party's radar."
Asked about an ordained minister (Assemblies of God Churches) running for high office, Myers says, "It is an oddity; time will tell if it's a plus."
He plans to formally announce his candidacy in January or February.
Question is, does he have a prayer?
Well, he seems pretty clear-eyed about the challenges ahead.
"The odds are against me in every respect. The challenge is huge," he says, noting especially fundraising in a state where a competitive campaign can cost tens of millions of dollars.
The Democratic primary to nominate an opponent to Gov. Corbett in 2014 is expected to attract a wide field, including some political pros, if Corbett's approval numbers don't increase in 2013.
Former state Enviromental Protection Secretary John Hanger already is announced. Others said to be interested include former Congressman Joe Sestak, Montco Commissioner Josh Shapiro, Philly rich guy Tom Knox, York biz guy Tom Wolf, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and state Treasurer Rob McCord.
The primary, at least this far out, would appear likely to be open and competitive, meaning it'll be a long time before we can get an amen.