Jockeying for Position

When Pittsburgh City Councilman Bob O’Connor dropped out of the lieutenant governor’s race Monday, the field of Democrats narrowed to 10. Those remaining candidates are looking to push themselves ahead of the pack. Montgomery County state Rep. John Lawless has set his sights squarely on former state Treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll, who’s perceived as the front runner. Lawless, who until now has mostly been known for his flip-flopping between parties, sent a letter March 14 to Knoll’s camp throwing down the gauntlet with a challenge to debate him one-on-one. He even threw in a few zingers about Knoll’s age.

"While I do not share their opinion, your detractors, both privately and publicly, cite your age as a main reason why you would be a detriment to the Democratic ticket in November. In a second term, you would be 80 years of age and a å away' from the governor's office," Lawless writes. "A debate would allow you to dispel the factors cited by the critics of your candidacy."

Contacted this week in his Harrisburg office, Lawless says he hasn't received an answer from Knoll's camp.

"If she's the front runner, why is she hiding behind her press secretary, Flavia Colgan?" Lawless asks, pulling no punches as usual. "If you're going to be a public official, you have to show yourself to the public, wouldn't you think? Catherine Baker Knoll has been in state politics for years, so what is she afraid of? ... I'd be happy to debate her in City Paper's office, in front of your editorial board."

When Guvwatch contacted Catherine Baker Knoll's office a few weeks ago, the candidate herself answered the phone and was forthcoming in answering every question except one. She refused to give her age.

Regarding a debate with Lawless, Colgan lays out her candidate's position.

"Catherine already participated in the debate with all the candidates for lieutenant governor in January," Colgan says. "And she'll be in the League of Women Voters debate next month. ... But as far as a one-on-one with some third-tier candidate, it doesn't benefit the voters or us. John Lawless is looking to raise his name recognition because he's not well known. ... I simply viewed his letter as an attempt to inject himself into the media spotlight and took it with a grain of salt."

Colgan says Lawless is harping on Knoll's age because it's an easy target. "Catherine is a hard worker and a tireless campaigner. She'd be talking to you right now, but she's out on the road. Her health is great, and she has more energy than anyone I know. I'm 24 and I have a hard time keeping up with her. I think that even bringing up her age is insulting. Perhaps the seniors in his district would be interested to hear Mr. Lawless' views on age and competence."

(dsgale@citypaper.net)