Mayor Peduto not surprised by challenge from state Rep. Ed Gainey Share Updated: 5:55 PM EST Feb 11, 2021 Share Updated: 5:55 PM EST Feb 11, 2021 Hide Transcript Show Transcript WITH MAYOR PEDUTO TODAY ABOUT HIS PRIMARY CHALLENGER. PAUL: MAYOR PEDUTO HAS NOT HAD A CLOSE RACE SINCE HE WAS FIRST ELECTED. BUT THAT COULD CHANGE THIS YEAR NOW THAT STATE REPRESENTATIVE ED GAINEY HAS DECIDED TO CHALLENGE THE VETERAN INCUMBENT. MAYOR BILL PEDUTO DELIVERING PIZZA TO CITY PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES, THANKING THEM FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO CLEAR SNOW OFF THE ROADS. THE MAYOR IS HOPING VOTERS WILL DELIVER HIM A THIRD TERM THIS YEAR. BUT FIRST HE MUST OVERCOME A CHALLENGE FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE ED GAINEY OF EAST LIBERTY. I ASKED THE MAYOR IF HE WAS SURPRISED THAT GAINEY JUMPED IN THE RACE. I’M NEVER SURPRISED ABOUT -- >> I’M NEVER SURPRISED ABOUT POLITICS. BEEN IN THE BUSINESS LONG ENOUGH TO SIMPLY ACCEPT AND TO ADAPT. PAUL: PEDUTO SAYS HE WILL RUN ON HIS RECORD OF REFORMING CITY GOVERNMENT. >> WE’VE ALMOST CAUGHT THE CITY GOVERNMENT UP TO WHERE THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH IS, BUT WE STILL HAVE MORE WORK TO DO. PAUL: I ASKED IF HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CAMPAIGN COULD GET NEGATIVE. >> I’M HOPING THAT IT ISN’T A NEGATIVE RACE. HE’S OBVIOUSLY IN IT FOR ISSUES AND REASONS. I HOPE CAN HAVE A VE FORWARD-THINKING DEBATE ON THOSE ISSUES. PAUL: RETIRED POLICE OFFICER TONY MORENO IS ALSO CHALLE