Barbara Hafer

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Barbara Hafer (b. August 1, 1943, Los Angeles) is a U.S politician from the U.S State of Pennsylvania.

Hafer has served as a County Commissioner in Allegheny County (1984-1989), State Auditor General (1989-1997) and State Treasurer (1997-2005). In 1990, she was the Republican nominee for Governor against Bob Casey. Hafer was defeated 68%-32% in one of the most lopsided victories in state history.

In 2002, Hafer explored a run for the Republican nomination for Governor to succeed Mark Schweiker. However, after it became clear that the GOP establishment had already decided on Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Fisher, she dropped out of the race. During the campaign, Hafer decided to endorse Democrat Ed Rendell. In 2003, Hafer completed her political conversion by switching to the Democratic Party.

After her party switch, it was reported that she was considering a 2006 bid for lieutenant governor, challenging Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll in the Democratic primary. Hafer and Baker Knoll had a long standing political feud which dates to Hafer's two races for treasurer. In 1996, Hafer defeated Knoll's daughter, Mina Baker Knoll, for treasurer and in 2000 defeated Baker Knoll for treasurer. Knoll preceded Hafer as state treasurer.

Most recently in 2005, she has passed on two major races. In early 2005, she chose not to seek the Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate against Republican Senator Rick Santorum. In 2005, she decided against a challenge to Republican Congressman Tim Murphy, choosing instead to focus on her new consulting business. Her daughter Beth Hafer is running against Republican Congressman Tim Murphy in 2008.

Prior to her political career, Hafer was employed as a registered nurse. Hafer is married to former Headmaster of the Kiski School, John A. Pidgeon. They reside in Indiana, Pennsylvania.