HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding Tom Corbett’s convincing victory in tonight’s gubernatorial debate.

“This debate proves once and for all that Dan Onorato will equal a 3^rd term of the Ed Rendell and a continuation of the same failed agenda that has led to higher taxes, more government spending and fewer jobs,” Gleason said.  “Once again, Tom Corbett demonstrated that he is the only candidate in this race who has the vision and leadership to move Pennsylvania forward.  Throughout the course of this campaign, Tom Corbett has run on a platform of reducing government spending, lower taxes and has touted his plan to create jobs at a time when the unemployment rate is close to double-digit levels. Meanwhile, Dan Onorato has decided to base his campaign on the premise that Pennsylvanians need higher taxes to pay for the increase in government spending to keep up with the Dan OnoRendell administration’s appetite for spending.

“It’s time for a leader who doesn’t believe that the answer to all of Pennsylvania’s pressing issues is more government and more spending – it’s time to elect Tom Corbett Governor!”

Dan Onorato = A Third Term Of Ed Rendell

• In a September 2^nd article, The Washington Post’s David Broder reported that Democrat gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato referred to Ed Rendell as his “role model.” (David Broder, “Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Candidates Are On A National Stage,” The Washington Post, 9/2/10,http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090104999.html)

• Under the tenure of Governor Ed Rendell, state spending has increased 45% in just 7 years.

Dan Onorato = MORE TAXES

• As Allegheny County Executive, Dan Onorato has overseen a massive drink tax which resulted in the closure of more than 50 bars and restaurants. (Tim Puko, “Allegheny’s Poured Drink Tax Ruined Businesses, Bar Owners Say,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 7/26/10,http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_691976.html)

• According to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Allegheny County’s property tax burden “is among the heaviest in the nation when factoring in home values.” The same article also quotes Allegheny County spokeswoman Megan Dardnell as explaining, “We have a lot of government.”(Tom Fontaine, “Local Property Taxes Among Highest In U.S.,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 9/30/10,http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_701992.html)

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