Her campaign was widely criticized for the remark helping Governor Casey seal his lead in both rural areas of the state which are normally Republican, as well as cement strong support from more traditional Democratic districts.
Aside from a brief February 2010 candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district seat left vacant by the death of Rep. John Murtha, she never did.
[6] She defeated incumbent Republican County Commissioner William Hunt in the Primary Election, who had dismissed Hafer as "the little nurse from Elizabeth.
"[8] Hafer's campaign was widely criticized for the gaff, helping Governor Casey seal his commanding lead in both rural parts of the state which are predominately Republican as well as cementing strong support from the more traditional Democratic districts.
Her successor for auditor general, Bob Casey Jr., attempted to audit the public-employee pension funds that Treasurer Hafer is on the boards of.
Treasurer Hafer went on to endorse the Democratic nominee, former Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell, effectively severing all her remaining ties to the Republican Party.
[6] She countered that Senator Santorum being the "de facto" leader of the state party has moved them further to the right, alienating socially liberal (but fiscally conservative) Republicans like herself.
[6] She cemented herself as a Democrat by donating the maximum amount to Massachusetts Senator John Kerry's Presidential campaign, and endorsing Dan Onorato in his successful bid for Allegheny County chief executive.
[13] After her party switch, it was reported that she was considering challenging long-time rival and incumbent lieutenant governor Catherine Baker Knoll in the Democratic primary.
Hafer however affirmed that she buried the hatchet with all of her former rivals long ago, and did not run against either,[14] endorsing Bob Casey Jr. as soon as he announced his Senate candidacy.
Barbara Hafer's daughter, Beth sought to run against Republican Congressman Tim Murphy in 2008, but narrowly lost the Democratic primary.
[15] In February 2010, five years after leaving the office of Treasurer, Hafer declared her candidacy for the Congressional seat left vacant by the death of incumbent Democrat John Murtha.
Pidgeon's children and grandchildren are claiming that Hafer took advantage of her husband's declining health and mental status to gain financial benefit.