Franco Harris' son running for mayor of Pittsburgh

[RamboLiberal]

Franco Dok Harris, the 29-year-old son of Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris, announced plans today to run for mayor of Pittsburgh.

The Shadyside resident will not compete against Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and others in the May 19 Democratic primary, but rather as an independent in November. It will be his first run for office.

Those may seem like long odds, but Mr. Harris said he looks to Barack Obama as an example.

"A first time senator from Illinois somehow figured out how to take on and beat probably the biggest political machine ever known in this country. You do that by empowering individuals and giving them hope," he said in a phone interview.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09068/954296-100.stm

I'm not a Pittsburgh resident so I have no dog in the fight. Though I technically work in Pittsburgh and live close enough that policies in Pittsburgh can affect me. Interesting. His dad has campaigned for Obama, Kerry and is a loyal Democrat and there's been talk of Franco running for office in the state. Be interesting to hear what Franco Dok Harris has to say and see if he gets any traction as a independent.

Damn I'm getting old. I was 20 when Franco made the Immaculate Reception.

[Fabio]

1. Great news!

Dok is a good man.

[MrMickeysMom]

2. Do say...

I'm totally unfamiliar with him, and I'd like to have a story or two. I'll keep my eyes and ears peeled (I'm a Monroeville resident, so I have no dog either).

[RamboLiberal]

3. Here's his website

http://www.harrisforpittsburgh.com/

Interesting he and Luke are both 29. Be fun to watch from the sidelines. Actually I think Luke has been taking some unfair flak. Yeah he did some stupid things but IMHO lately he's been doing a good job.

[MrMickeysMom]

4. Thanks, RL! n/t

[Divernan]

6. Impressive educational creds: Pitt JD, CMU MBA

Franco “Dok” Harris, 29, is announcing his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. A native Pittsburgher and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business, Mr. Harris has set forth a bold platform to address the many challenges facing the city and is committed to revitalizing our local economy.

He was born and raised in Pittsburgh - I know his parents used to live in the near North Side - what is called the Mexican War District.

His father is a truly fine human being - has done all kinds of community fund raising work, and provided a fine example to his kids.

I look forward to hearing what Dok Harris has to say in this campaign.

I don't know how the entrenched old white working class Dem. machine will view him. They tended to be racist - but everyone adores his Dad, so maybe that will cancel out. There's just so damn much patronage in the city and county jobs - going back generations.

[tigereye]

5. too bad it wasn't Franco Sr. running - he seems like a great guy

if the son is a as cool as dad, more power to him. I live just outside the city now, but I follow the political machinations.

[SteelPenguin]

7. Wish we could have Peduto

He'll never run again though with how the machine smeared him the last time out. Great guy though and if he could be in charge and actually direct the city government it'd be amazing what he could get done for us in 2 terms.

I'm gonna support Dowd though. I met the guy when he was running for city council and he went house to house to every home in his district. I think he'd be much better than the boy king.