Rendell gains backing of most newspapers

Rendell received the most newspaper endorsements.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Newspapers in Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton, Harrisburg, Erie, Johnstown, Beaver County and York endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Edward G. Rendell on Sunday while newspapers in Pittsburgh and State College endorsed Republican Mike Fisher.
A newspaper in Easton also endorsed Rendell today.
Pittsburgh papers
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called Rendell "a lumbering, gregarious hunk of a politician; he's a walking, talking bear hug" who can offer dynamic, creative leadership for a state needing it.
Fisher's approach to governing is, "Change little and steady as she goes," the Post-Gazette added.
The Post-Gazette said Rendell offers the "more realistic program" for reducing property taxes by increasing the state's share of educational spending from 34 percent to 50 percent and taking the onus off the local taxpayer.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said Fisher "knows the difference between the wealth transference Rendell seeks to foist on the people versus the wealth creation this state so sorely needs. It's the fundamental difference between conservative, good governance and the kind of liberal, irresponsible governance that Rendell would seek to impose."
Harrisburg
The Patriot-News of Harrisburg said Rendell "hasn't boxed himself in, as Fisher has done, by making a politically seductive but irresponsible pledge not to raise taxes if elected. Rendell is capable of making the hard, difficult decisions that likely will be required in the coming year as the state faces another difficult budget."
The Centre Daily Times in State College said Fisher was better equipped to address the state's ongoing malpractice insurance crisis.
"The gradual exodus of health professionals and the closing of medical facilities is a dire threat to the economy, as well as health, infrastructure of the state," the Daily Times said.
The Erie Times-News said Fisher is "a competent administrator who might fit the governor's chair just fine in rosier times. He is not the man for this moment."
Allentown
The Morning Call of Allentown said Rendell has "fire in the belly" and is experienced in public policy.
"He would be a governor who believes that state government must balance both its opportunities and obligations. And, he believes overall that with the right executive leadership, state government can be better than it is," the Morning Call said.
Also endorsing Rendell were The Express-Times of Easton, Scranton Times-Tribune, The Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown, Beaver County Times, York Sunday News, York Daily Record and Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader.