Editorial: Republicans' best choice

The two Republicans running for governor in Pennsylvania offer a contrast in styles and substance.

Attorney General Tom Corbett is the more moderate and better known candidate. State Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County is much more fiscally and socially conservative.

Rohrer's entrance in the race has probably caused Corbett to shift more to the right. That may help explain Corbett's decision to join other attorneys general in suing to void the new federal health-care law. He is the superior candidate nonetheless, and The Inquirer endorses TOM CORBETT in the Republican primary.

The former Allegheny County assistant district attorney was appointed an assistant U.S. attorney by President Ronald Reagan. He later was appointed appointed U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania by President George H. W. Bush. In 1995, Gov. Tom Ridge selected Corbett to complete an unexpired term as attorney general, and in 2004 he was elected to that position.

As attorney general, Corbett has done more than anyone in recent times to shake up the corrupt culture that has taken hold in Harrisburg. His investigation of the so-called "Bonusgate" scandal shined a light on the sense of entitlement that often drives the state legislature.

The broad probe of House and Senate officials from both sides of the aisle has resulted in the indictments of a number of top lawmakers accused of awarding taxpayer-funded bonuses to staffers for doing campaign-related work on state time, which is illegal.

Whoever is the next governor will face some difficult budget choices. Corbett says the state needs a leader who will make tough decisions, even if it costs him reelection. State spending has skyrocketed under Gov. Rendell. Instead of raising taxes, Corbett says he will rein in spending, but he needs to be more specific about his plans.

Corbett's Bonusgate investigation shows he isn't afraid to take on elected officials in both parties. That's a quality the next governor needs.