Dan Onorato for gov. in Democratic primary: Tom Corbett in GOP race

WHOEVER WINS Pennsylvania's governor's race has one silver lining to look forward to:

At least we're not California.

California is at the extreme edge of the budget challenges facing most states, but is not alone in imposing draconian cuts to respond to the trifecta of falling revenues, a slowed economy and increased demands on the social safety net. Pennsylvania is not in these dire straits, but the budget challenges are real: a $1 billion shortfall for this year alone, with even bigger challenges ahead. The federal stimulus money will no longer be in play, and wrestling with a multibillion-dollar pension crisis can no longer be put off.

Running a state in these times will take smarts, guts and executive experience to manage the crises. That's why our endorsement goes to Dan Onorato.

The Democratic field for governor is strong - it includes Auditor General Jack Wagner, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and state Sen. Anthony Williams. But it's Onorato, Allegheny County executive since 2003, who brings the necessary experience to shepherd the state through its next tough chapter. This will require a mix of intelligence and toughness - Onorato has both - especially in dealing with an incorrigible Legislature resistant to making hard choices. (A task that often daunted Gov. Rendell, a master of dealing with incorrigibles.)

While weighing our choice for governor, we asked the guy who has the job now what has changed most since he first took office, to help clarify the qualities the next governor should bring. Rendell cites an increased interaction with the federal government, which will continue as health-care reform is implemented. But he points out that "it's hard to govern amid increased polarization and the ideological stances people are taking. A good portion of the Legislature has taken a 'no-tax pledge.' "

We agree with Rendell that closing off options to balancing the budget is unrealistic. And Onorato's track record in Allegheny County, where he cut the size of government and found savings by consolidating operations, make him a standout for the job.

Jack Wagner is an attractive candidate, and while his auditor general background may help balance the books, an auditor's subpoena powers won't necessarily transfer to the governor's office. His plan to fix the budget by eliminating "waste, fraud and abuse" is short on details. We question the statewide profile of local favorite Anthony Williams, and the widespread appeal of Joe Hoeffel has yet to be proven.

In the Republican race, we found the frank nature of conservative firebrand Sam Rohrer refreshing, given Attorney General Tom Corbett's tendency to give unspecific answers about his plans if elected on some big policy issues we asked him about, including education. We also have concerns about Corbett's involvement in a lawsuit against the health-care overhaul signed into law by President Obama.

Still, our endorsement goes to Tom Corbett. He is the only Republican in the race who seems to think state government has some value. We also laud his corruption-busting approach, and hope it lays the groundwork for long-overdue reforms. *