Former PA. Gov. William Scranton Dies at 96. Was Familiar to Many in Our Region.

Former Pennsylvania Governor William Scranton has died at age 96.  He was a familiar face and name to many in our part of the state.  His ancestors founded the city of Scranton and were involved in northeastern Pennsylvania politics for many generations.

Scranton was a moderate Republican who served one-term as the Keystone State's governor, and then served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.  He was an early opponent of the Viet Nam War and many considered him to be a prime contender for the presidential nomination in 1964.  Describing ultimate nominee Barry Goldwater as an "agent of fear" Scranton received little support and lost to Goldwater on the first ballot.