Full of optimism, Gov. Wolf prepares for re-election

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Just in time for his re-election campaign, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is perhaps the most optimistic person in Pennsylvania.

He sees better days ahead for the state's finances, says he's satisfied with his first-term accomplishments and shows no frustration over battles with the Republican-controlled Legislature.

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Wolf now seems to see state government's post-recession financial difficulties behind it and is preparing to tout his ability to work across the political aisle.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Wolf suggests that he doesn't foresee needing a budget-balancing tax increase in a second term.

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Republicans who are lining up to challenge Wolf's re-election bid in November will criticize his push for tax increases.

Wolf says he'll run on a record of accomplishments with an overwhelming Republican General Assembly.