Hafer confirms plan to join Democrats

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/all-a_5haferdec13,0,3938133.story

NEW YORK | Apparently confirming one of the worst-kept secrets in Pennsylvania politics, state Treasurer Barbara Hafer said Friday that it's ''inevitable'' that she'll jump to the Democratic Party.

At a fund-raiser at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the two-term Republican treasurer said the switch could happen by year's end, but added that much had to be settled — including the unfinished state budget — before she made any announcement.

Hafer's name has been mentioned in recent weeks in connection with a 2006 challenge of U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., but on Friday she downplayed such speculation. ''It's what the governor wants me to do, but I haven't made up my mind.''

Gov. Ed Rendell said Hafer would be ''a formidable candidate. Maybe the most formidable. But it's her decision.''

I almost voted for her when she ran against Gov. Bob Casey because she's pro-choice (and he wasn't). I'm glad to hear she's switching. I can't stand Santorum and would love to see her run against him.