Scott Wagner clarifies comments on gay marriage, Russia
After some backlash, a spokesman for Wagner is working to clarify comments the candidate made at recent campaign stops. (Photo by AP)
(Harrisburg) — GOP gubernatorial candidate Scott Wagner is walking back a few comments he has made at recent campaign stops.
Wagner says he’s not against gay marriage, and has no intention to collude with the Russian government to win the election.
At an Erie town hall this week, a campaign tracker recorded Wagner appearing ready to consider supporting legislation to stop recognizing same-sex marriages.
“I would have to give that consideration,” he said in response to a question. “I don’t have the answer tonight, but I can follow up with you.”
Around the same time that came out, the state Democratic Party released audio from another tracker, taken a few nights previously at a Berks County meet and greet.
In it, Wagner said the “Russians are going to help me with Tom Wolf” in November, to peals of laughter from supporters.
That comment, Wagner’s campaign dismissed out of hand–saying the candidate was “obviously joking.”
The gay marriage line got a more policy-driven response.
Spokesman Andrew Romeo said Wagner was “caught off guard” by the question, and that the candidate actually would “veto any bill that would restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples.”
Wagner and incumbent governor Tom Wolf have just agreed to their first debate: an October 1 event in Hershey, moderated by Jeopardy host Alex Trebek.
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