Some Preliminary Notes on Dan Onorato

Dan Onorato, the Democratic candidate for governor, is not well-known on this side of the state. To be honest I barely knew who he was when he announced his candidacy. In the interim, I've had the opportunity to see him at five events. He spoke at three and at the other two talked with people individually. (see previous blog posts here and here). That's not really enough exposure to form a definitive opinion of someone but it's enough for an initial impression.

Onorato is both an accountant and a lawyer and that shows. He isn't flashy or visibly charismatic; on the other hand he isn't stiff either. He speaks and moves with quiet energy and knows how to work a crowd. When talking with individuals he focuses on that person and listens to what they have to say. He doesn't rely on staff to move him from one part of a room or crowd to another or act as a buffer with people. He's pleasant and people seem comfortable approaching him. While not a raconteur he speaks well and can get his point across; he can throw in examples and answers questions without getting rattled. His staff is friendly and handles local arrangements well. I've also been pleased to note that the videographer from the Republican campaign (who waits and watches for a candidate to stumble or say the wrong thing) is treated courteously.

Onorato is making an effort to meet voters in the Philadelphia area this summer and if you have the opportunity to go out and do so I encourage you to. For background, his campaign has very detailed policy statements up at www.voteonorato.com.