Corbett: Onorato ad ‘despicable and unforgivable’

HARRISBURG - Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett on Monday called his Democratic opponent's campaign "despicable and unforgivable" for airing a campaign ad suggesting that he might slash programs for senior citizens, including Meals on Wheels and research for Alzheimer's.

Speaking at the monthly press club luncheon in Harrisburg, Corbett said Democrat Dan Onorato was using "Halloween scare tactics" in a 30-second ad that bills itself as a "Warning for Pennsylvania seniors" that he says has no basis in fact.

He said it was a "desperate" act by his opponent, who continues to lag behind in the polls just a week before the election.

"It is despicable to threaten seniors," Corbett said. ". . . Despicable and unforgivable."

Onorato's ad, which began airing last week, says: "Warning for Pennsylvania seniors: Tom Corbett's budget plan might negatively impact you."

It goes on to suggest that Corbett "could" cut Meals on Wheels, home health-care services, Alzheimer's disease research, and funding for senior centers.

Corbett has not said he plans to do anything of these things. And Monday, he bristled in particular at the suggestion that he would cut funding for Alzheimer's research, saying instead that he would protect the fund from which it draws money.

In State College, Onorato defended the ad, saying it's clear that Corbett's "across the board" cuts would hit seniors and research funding. The Democratic candidate lashed out at Corbett for "lying every week" in his ads. But Onorato offered no specific evidence that Corbett had said he would cut senior programs or Alzheimers research.