Schwartz to create PA PAC for likely 2014 gubernatorial bid

(Harrisburg) -- U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz says she'll set up a state fundraising committee as the first step toward a likely 2014 campaign for Pennsylvania governor. 

The fifth-term Democratic congresswoman stopped short of declaring her candidacy, but told The Associated Press Friday that she intends to run for governor and will file papers to create a political-action committee in the next few weeks.

Schwartz says her federal campaign committee has about $3 million that can be transferred to a state committee.

She would face competition for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Gov. Tom Corbett. Former state Environmental Protection secretary John Hanger declared his candidacy in November.

Other prospective candidates include former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak and state Treasurer Rob McCord, who like Schwartz hail from the heavily Democratic Philadelphia region.