Philly Mayor Jim Kenney endorses Pittsburgh’s Michael Lamb as Auditor General race heats up

The race for Pennsylvania’s Auditor General seat ramped up Wednesday with two-term Philadelphia’s two-term Democratic mayor, Jim Kenney, endorsing western Pennsylvania’s Michael Lamb for the row office position.

Lamb, who currently serves as Pittsburgh’s city controller, joined the race for auditor general in November. Lamb has already won the support of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Democratic state Reps. Dan Miller, Dan Deasy, Harry Readshaw, Bill Kortz, Anita Kulik and Tony DeLuca.

 “As the City Controller of Pittsburgh, Michael Lamb has demonstrated his commitment to reform and a progressive vision that puts people first. Nothing is more telling about Michael Lamb’s character and priorities than his successful fight to eliminate his own job as Prothonotary back in 2005 in order to streamline county government and save tax dollars.” Kenney said in a statement. “I’m endorsing Michael Lamb to be Pennsylvania’s next Auditor-General — because he has the experience, progressive vision and commitment to reform necessary to root out waste, fraud and mismanagement in state government.”

The 57-year-old auditor general hopeful responded to Kenney’s endorsement, offering his support for the mayor.

“As someone who believes passionately in pre-K education, I’ve long admired Mayor Kenney’s strong progressive track record in Philadelphia. I’m proud to have his support,” Lamb said. “It’s easy to talk about changing Harrisburg — the only way to get real results is for our next Auditor General to have experience fighting corruption and cracking down on government waste. That’s why I’m running, and Mayor Kenney’s endorsement shows the breadth of my support and statewide appeal.”

Lamb has also been endorsed by the Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania, Plumbers Union Local 27, Pittsburgh Firefighters IAFF Local 1, and Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1.