The LuLac Edition #1313, Sept. 27th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: TOM CORBETT AND DAN ONORATO.

CORBETT/ONORATO SQUARE OFF

Tom Corbett and Dan Onorato squared off in a debate for Governor of Pennsylvania. Seated on a platform with Ted Koppell the duo went at it other vowing they alone represent true change in Pennsylvania. The meeting between Republican Tom Corbett, the state attorney general, and Democrat Dan Onorato, the elected executive of Allegheny County, took place before 1,350 guests at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's $225-a-plate annual dinner.In one-minute responses, Corbett and Onorato accused each other of being career politicians, among other things.A few weeks before Election Day, Corbett leads Onorato in the polls and campaign funding, while Onorato is banking on Democrats' 3-2 edge in voter registration and a strong voter turnout to help him pull off an upset in the Nov. 2 election.Corbett, 61, who has signed a pledge not to raise taxes but hasn't ruled out higher fees and other levies, touts his office's high-profile investigation into the illegal use of taxpayer resources for electioneering in the Legislature as his bona fides as a government reformer. So far, one former legislative leader and a former aide have been sentenced to prison.Onorato, 49, portrays himself as the only state government outsider in the race and the only candidate with executive experience. He has said he would not increase the sales or income taxes, but he dismisses written pledges as political gimmicks.
If I had to judge the debate, I’d have to give it to Onorato. He was more smooth, polished and seemed more at ease than Corbett.
But Corbett is leading the Western Pa. County official and looks to be the front runner as Election Day nears.

TOOMEY TALKS TO HIMSELF

Pat Toomey fielded questions from Ted Koppell at his Senatorial debate at the Hershey Lodge. Toomey’s Democratic opponent Joe Sestak stood him up citing a previous fund raiser commitment in Pittsburgh with Senator John Kerry and his wife Tesresa Heinz Kerry. Whether this will impact the campaign or anyone will notice is anyone’s guess. But Sestak really has to answer for this debate no show.