Top Republican Pennsylvania governor candidate launches his campaign comparing himself to cheese
Speaking at his 2018 campaign kickoff event last week in East Manchester Township, the trash mogul appeared to compare politicians to different types of cheeses, citing the popular '90s business book called "Who Moved My Cheese?" as an inspiration for the worldview that inspired his candidacy.
"I want to mention that this is a book that has been in my bookcase for probably 20 years. It's called 'Who Moved My Cheese?'" Wagner said during his announcement speech. "It's a great book. It's less than a 90-minute read. And it talks about change. And probably every person in Pennsylvania should read this book, because change can be scary and change can be exciting. And all I'm asking is: Come on the change ride with me."
He continued: "If you've only been eating American cheese, there's Swiss cheese, there's gorgonzola, there's all the different cheeses. You know, it's fun. But we're gonna move the cheese in Pennsylvania. And my cheese is being moved everyday, so you know - that's how you survive."
The first Republican to announce a 2018 gubernatorial bid, Wagner cast himself as a no-nonsense businessman, setting his announcement at a waste truck maintenance facility he invested in, and pledging to spend his own money to finance much of his campaign.
During his announcement last week, Wagner bragged that he was unencumbered by distinguishments such as an extended career in politics or a PhD.
"I'm not a career politician, and for my friends from various law firms, I'm not an attorney, and I respect all of you. And I don't have a PhD. So if you're truly fed up with Harrisburg, and want real change, I'm asking you vote for me," Wagner said.
He also launched a number of broadsides against current Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, dubbing him a "failed governor," lamenting wasteful bureaucratic spending, and pledging to "change the status quo" by undertaking unspecified pension reform efforts and lowering taxes.
"I can assure you that Pennsylvania will create jobs without government interference," Wagner promised.
Though he is attempting to run as populist businessman outsider, Wagner could be a strong contender for the Republican nomination. During his time as a state senator, he's garnered a reputation for confronting the state Republican party, and embraced a number of conservative proposals like privatizing public colleges and universities and introducing a moratorium on new business rules and regulations.
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