The Pennsylvania Governor’s Race 2010

Dear Students:

Every four years, elementary and high school teachers scramble to gather materials that will enhance their curriculum regarding the Governor’s Election (Nov. 2, 2010). They have the tough job of trying to explain this important election process to you and the affects local politics will have on your life.

From explaining what the election process is to identifying the role of newspapers in this process, teachers, in their own ways, expose students to this precious right – freedom to choose a governor. This right may be the most important one, as it gives you a voice in the way the government works. Without a voice, freedom is not a certain advantage.

This guide, “Pennsylvania Governor’s Race 2010,” was created to give teachers a resource to help explain these important government processes. We have found that many students don’t know enough about the way elections are facilitated. This guide can help teachers educate students about democracy through a practical application of the election process.

Reading the newspaper and its products is an excellent source of information not only about the election but also about everyday life situations as well. Thus, the importance of the newspaper in a young person’s life can evolve and perpetuate. It is our hope that you will look to the newspaper to enrich your life and doing so will create better balanced, informed citizens.

Enjoy this exciting governor’s race supplement and remember to stay informed. Knowledge is the most important thing that a young person can possess.

Sincerely, The Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Politics in the NewsNo matter what time of the year it is, there are always somepolitical stirrings being reported on in your local newspaper. Think about how many months go by when a President is campaigning. Every day the press is talking about some type of update. Look through the pages of your newspaper for a story about a candidate either running or in office. What is the story about? Why do you think this story should or shouldn’t be in the news?

Media Media Everywhere

Today, there are so many media outlets, it isn’t just newspapers that get the big story. Think about the immediate media sources that you can get up to date information from. Make a list of places where you know you can find news any time of the day below. Then talk with your class about why it is important for news to be constantly available and if you think too much news is a good or bad thing.

2

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Vote! Time To Vote!Vote! Time to vote! Get out and vote! Soon, there will be an election to decide the new gover-nor of Pennsylvania. On November 2, 2010, either Tom Corbett or Dan Onorato will be chosen as the new head of the Executive branch of Pennsylvania state government. Although the election is held on just one day the preparation and campaigning has been going on for months and even years. You may have noticed the ads, posters, and speeches from the candi-dates running for governor. Their goal is simple to get the people of Pennsylvania out to the polls on November 2nd.

Electing Governors

The process of electing a new governor is a two-part system. You may remember the primary election that occurred earlier this year. This is done so that as many people get involved with the election process as possible. The Democrat and the Republican candidates must get signatures from voters. If they get enough signatures, their names will appear on the primary ballot. Depending on which party you are affiliated with, Republican or Democrat, you will vote for your candidate. Voters go out to schools, firehouses, and community centers to cast a vote for the candidate that they want to run against the other party in November.

Once the Republican and Democratic primary winners have been selected, the two opponents get busy campaigning and debating about why they are the right person for the job. In November, voters once again go to the polls to make the decision about who the governor should be.

Keystone Fact: The governor’s term lasts for four years and may be reelected once. There is also no limit on how many terms a governor may serve as long as there is a four-year break after ever second term.

In America, every U.S. citizen over the age of 18 can vote in local and national elections. The right to vote is the foundation of any democracy and should not be taken for granted. Many Americans have fought over and sacrificed for the freedom to vote. Have a discussion with your class about the importance of voting in America.

Make Your Decision

The governor of Pennsylvania has the job of being the Executive branch of the state government. He or she must choose people to be in charge of state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and councils. The governor is also in charge of carrying out the state’s law. The governor

also has the job of putting into practice the laws passed by the

General Assembly. He or she is the head spokesperson of the state and must

regularly speak with media about state issues. The governor is also in charge of the state’s military forces and has the ability to activate the Pennsylvania National Guard. He or she also directs the state agencies in state of emergencies, such as blizzards or floods.

Good Day Governor!

Gub

erna

toria

l- Yo

u m

ay se

e th

e w

ord

gube

rnat

oria

l dur

ing

this

ele

ctio

n. G

uber

nato

rial c

omes

from

the

Latin

wor

d G

uber

nato

r whi

ch m

eans

gov

erno

r. A

ny ti

me

you

see

gube

rnat

oria

l it j

ust m

eans

hav

ing

to d

o w

ith th

e of

fice

of g

over

nor.

Pick me! Pick me! To qualify to be the governor of Pennsylvania, you must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Pennsylvania for at least seven years before the election.

Fast Fact:

Corbett

Rohrer

Primary Results - Republican

Primary Results - Democrate

OnoratoWagnerWilliamsHoeffel

3

Meet Tom Corbett, Republican Candidate for Governor

Color Me In!The mascot of the Republican Party is the elephant. In 1874, a cartoonist, Thomas Nast drew the symbol to appear in Harper’s Weekly.

He did so because he said Republicans are, “docile but

unmovable with calm, and unstoppable and

destructive when excited.”

“Turning on the Power of Pennsylvania”Tom Corbett is the Republican candidate for governor. He is currently the Pennsylvania Attorney General and has been since 2004. He was reelected to this position in 2008. Corbett received his Bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College. He earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University Law

School. He also served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 28th Infantry Division from 1971 to 1984 and earned the rank of Captain.

In March 2009, Corbett formed his Gubernatorial campaign committee and began filing the necessary paperwork to begin running for governor. In May of 2010, Corbett had every advantage, name-recognition, money, and party support, and easily defeated Sen. Sam Rohrer to become the GOP’s candidate. After his primary victory, Corbett said his party hungered for victory, “They want a win in November; they want change in Harrisburg.”

Founded in Pennsylvania in 1854, the Republican Party is often called the Grand Old Party or GOP despite the fact that it is actually younger than the Democratic Party. As of 2004, the Republican Party has the second most registered voters with 55 million. Republicans fill a minority of seats in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. In Pennsylvania the Republican Party headquarters is in Harrisburg, PA.

The Republican Party was named to echo the name originally used by Thomas Jefferson’s part and meant to pay homage to the republican values of civic virtues and opposition to aristocracy and corruption. The Republican Party sits at the right side of the political spectrum.

Republican Party

Republican Virtues

Bonus Gate

Republicanism stresses liberty and rights as central values. It rejects the idea of inherited political power, meaning you must be elected to a position. Republicans expect citizens to be independent in their civic duties. The people represented act as a whole sovereign; everyone is equal.

Tom Corbett is probably best known for his investigation of legislative bonuses in 2007. As Attorney General he investigated the recipients of $3.8 million in bonus money paid to legislative staffers in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Corbett uncovered that taxpayer money was used to fund and finance the campaigns of both Republican and Democratic members of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Corbett was instrumental in uncovering the corruption and saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

Candidates In The NewsYour local newspaper will have information about all the candidates to help you make a decision about who to support. Look through the pages to find a fact about both candidates running for governor and write them on the lines below or on a seperate sheet of paper.Republican Tom Corbett:Democrat Dan Onorato:

WWW.TOMCORBETTFORGOVERNOR.COMFrom Tom Corbett’s web site: “I truly believe my vision for Pennsylvania, one with less taxes and less spending, will increase job opportunity and improve the economic climate of Pennsylvania. For far too long Pennsylvania has been moving in the wrong direction under the failed tax and spend policies of our current Governor. I want to turn our state around and I have the plan to do it.” 4

Meet Dan Onorato,Democratic Candidate for Governor

Color Me In!The most common mascot for the Democratic Party is a donkey. It comes from Andrew Jackson being labeled as such during intense mudslinging in 1828. Harper’s

Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast revived the donkey image in 1870.

Keystone Fact: Since the governorship started in 1790, Pennsylvania has had 45 total governors. Since the two-party system was established around 1858 we have had 9 democrats and 25 republicans in office.

Dan Onorato is the Democratic candidate for governor. He currently serves as the Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Onorato is a life-long resident of Pennsylvania and received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. Onorato began his political career as a private attorney before being elected to Pittsburgh City Council in 1991. From there he became the Allegheny County Controller and then the County Executive.

Onorato announced his run in the fall of 2009 and faced off against some tough competition to win the Democratic primary in May 2010. He started his campaign with the $4 million he had leftover from his County Executive re-election bid, the previous year. Onorato is known for his youthful energy and his fundraising powers.

Meet Dan Onorato

The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party has a liberal platform and sits at the center-left side of the political spectrum. The Democratic Party evolved from Anti-Federalist factions that opposed the fiscal policies of Alexander Hamilton in the early 1790s. The party contains the most voters in the world with 72 million registered. The democrats hold a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Polls show that roughly 35% of American voters identify as Democrats. Barack Obama is the 15th Democrat to hold the office of President of the United States.

Since the 1890s, the Democratic Party has favored liberalism and attracts people from many different walks of life. The party represents farmers, laborers, and unions, religious and ethnic minorities. It is against unregulated business and finance, and favor progressive income taxes.

Democratic Party

Democratic Ideas

In Onorato’s political career, he is probably best known for the Allegheny County drink tax controversy. In 2007, the county received permission from the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pursue tax increases on poured alcohol and rental cars. The 10% tax on poured alcohol passed but not without protests by bar and restaurant owners. The tax was eventually overturned in the November 2008 general election.

Drink Tax Controversy

From Dan Onorato’s web site: “Dan is running for Governor because Pennsylvania’s families need a government that is more efficient and more responsive to their needs. As a public official, Dan has never settled for the status quo, and as Governor, Dan will bring new ideas to reform government, clean up Harrisburg, create new 21st-century jobs, strengthen our education system and invest in new energy solutions.”

WWW.VOTEONARATO.COM

5

Government In Pennsylvania

AppealAttorneyCivilContempt

CourtCourtroomJudgeJury

Law PublicSubpoenaSupreme

Judiciary ReviewWhat words you can find in the word find below that have to do with the Judicial Branch of government? Look at the word bank for hints.

Solve and Findthe bonus word: w r t

Our GovernmentIn Pennsylvania, we have our very own constitution that is based on our unique history, philosophy, needs, and geography. Just like the national Constitution, we have our own state specific laws and rules. The laws that Pennsylvania enacts cannot conflict with the national Constitution, as it is “the supreme law of the land.” Our constitution separates power between the three branches, the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The state departments that make our state work are divided into these three departments. Our governor is like the President of our state. In addition to state government we also have a local government. All the governments work together to keep the agencies that help, protect, and serve us running smoothly.

The Legislative BranchThe legislative branch of government has the authority to make laws. The first article in the Constitution defined this practice with the creation of Congress. Congress is the head of the legislative branch and it is bicameral, which means it is made up of two chambers. The two chambers are the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each state has two senators representing them in the

Senate regardless of how big or small the state. In the House of Representatives, there are 435 members and this

number never changes. Based on population, however, each state’s number of representatives can change.

California has the most representativeswith 53, while a few have one 1, such as Delaware or Montana.

The Judicial BranchArticle III of the United States Constitution created the Supreme Court and established the judicial branch. It is the highest power in the land and has the job to resolve disputes and interprets laws. The judicial branch consists of judges, magistrates, and the bench as well as other staffers.

The Executive Branch

The power of the executive branch lies with the head execu-tive. In the United States the President is the head of power. In Pennsylvania the governor holds power behind the President. The head executive can delegate power to his or her cabinet and other officials. The President must sign legislation passed by Congress into law or has the power to veto it. Also within the executive branch are the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the President’s cabinet, departments and agencies. The entire executive branches’ positions are chosen by the President. The Vice President is elected as running mate of the President.

Keystone Fact: : Pennsylvania has two senators and 19 members in the House of Representatives that represent the interests of its’ over 12 million constituents.

6

The U.S. Capitol

The Supreme Court

The White House

Who Am I?Write the name of the executive below on the blanks provided.See page 15 for the Answer Key.

Philad

elph

ia’s

Cou

nci

l M

eeti

ng

Age

nda

: Read the agenda for the September 16th, 2010 Philadelphia council meeting below. What are the local issues that are being discussed? Think about the issues listed on the agenda, can you relate?

City Council Calendar- City of PhiladelphiaThursday, September 16, 2010BILLS ON FINAL PASSAGEIntroduce by: Councilmembers Jones, Green, Greenlee, Krajewski, Reynolds Brown and ClarkeResolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to authorize Council to provide that fines imposed for violation of any ordinance prohibiting witness and victim intimidation must be paid into a special fund to be used only for assistance to victims and witnesses, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.Introduced by: Councilmembers Clarke, DiCicco and KenneyAn Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by amending Section 14-231, entitled “Residential District Rules and Exceptions,” by providing for restrictions on placement, installation and maintenance of certain satellite dishes and antennas, under certain terms and conditions.BILLS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGEIntroduced by: Councilmembers Miller and ClarkeAn Ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Safety,” by adding a new Section to prohibit the possession or acquisition of firearms by persons charged with certain criminal offenses, during the pendency of such charges, under certain terms and conditions.Introduced by: Councilmembers Clarke and MillerAn Ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Safe-ty,” by addinga new Section 10-834, entitled “Sale or Transfer of Ammunition,” to require all sales of ammunition for firearms to be reported to the City of Philadelphia Police Department and to require that Department to maintain aregistry of such reports; all under certain terms and conditions.Introduced by: Councilmember Reynolds BrownAn Ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Health Code,” by defining “Supermarkets,” and excluding Supermarkets from the definition of Chain Restaurants, thereby exempting Supermarkets from menu labeling requirements applicable to Chain Restaurants, under certain terms and conditions.Introduced by: Councilmember DiCiccoAn Ordinance authorizing Ilker Ugur, owner of Café Fulya, to construct, own and maintain two tables, four chairs, and two benches on the sidewalks located at 727 South Second Street, under certain terms and conditions.

Pennsylvania Politics

Pennsylvania Politics

The state of Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties. The smallest county is Forest with just under 5,000 residents. The largest county is Philadelphia and has 1.5 million residents. There are over 12.5 million people in all of Pennsylvania, 6th most in the United States. Because Pennsylvania is so populous, we have a big impact on the representatives in Washington, D.C. In recent years, Pennsylvania has swung from being a Republican-leaning state to Democratic. Democratic current Governor Ed Rendell has demonstrated this by being in office for the past two terms.

There are many smaller forms of government all across Pennsyl-vania. In each of the 67 counties local governments act within the powers that they have. It is up to the small government to deal with city issues, regulate local law enforcement, and their educational systems. Think about your local government. Who is your mayor? Do you have a city council? What types of things are discussed at your local council meetings?

Politicians In The News

Your local politicians are put in office to represent you. Look through today’s newspaper for a local issue where a politician is involved. What do you think about the issue? Is the politician acting in a way that is beneficial to his constituents? Write a letter to the politician that explains your thoughts on the issue.

Photography by: Joe Burbank, Harry Hamburg, Mannie Garcia, and Brendan Smialowski. Answers: Find on page 15.

Pennsylvania - This Land Is Ours

The state of Pennsylvania is the 6th most populous state in the United States. Each of the 67 counties has it’s own personality and identity. You should be proud to live in such a diverse and bountiful place. Pennsylvania is full of natural resources and abundant natural beauty. Check out the facts on this page to learn more about your hometown state.

Pennsylvania’s Nickname is the Keystone StateIt gets this name from Thomas Jefferson in 1802 when he toasted the state as “the keystone in the federal union.” Pennsylvania holds a key position in the economic, social, and political development of the United States.

Pennsylvania received its statehood on December 12, 1787. The largest cities

are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown and Scranton.

Land area of Pennsylvania is 44,820 square miles.

State Motto: Virtue, Liberty, and Independence The motto was adapted in 1875 and represents the facts that Philadelphia was the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Pennsylvania’s state capital is Harrisburg.

William Penn named the state after his father, Admiral William Penn. It means Penn’s woods.

The two senators that represent Pennsylvania are Arlen Specter (D) and Bob Casey, Jr. (D).

Use your knowledge. Let’s see which places you can find on your map of Pennsylvania.

Use Your Knowledge!

Pennsylvania’s state tree is the Hemlock.

The state flower is Mountain Laurel.

Draw a STAR on the state capital.

Circle the largest city in Pennsylvania.

Write your name on a place that you would like to visit.

What is the postal abbreviation for Pennsylvania?

Draw a house on the county where you live.

Draw some triangles on the location of the Appalachian Mountains.

The state animal is the White-tailed deer.

Elizabeth Robertson/photographer

Sylvia Forward/photographer

Steve Baskauf/photgrapher

Campaign Financing

Running a successful campaign is kind of like running a business. You need to use the money you have raised to purchase certain things to help you along the way. By purchasing billboards and television advertisements you make yourself better known. Let’s say you are running for governor and you have $100,000 for expenses. Answer the questions below to see if after all your campaign expenses you are still under budget. See page 15 for the Answer Key.

Stay Under Budget!

Place some lawn signs around your hometown. The signs cost $500 for a box of 500. You plan to place 2,000 signs around town. How much will you spend on signs? _____

You plan to hit the road and visit a few of your neighboring counties. Each time you travel, you need to spend $2,000 for bus transportation for you and your volunteers. Two nights in a hotel costs $750, food and amenities cost $200. Renting a place to speak to the people costs $400. Three road trips cost $______.

Let’s get famous! You decide to buy some television commercials to get your message on television. To produce the commercials you must pay $5,280 per commercial and purchasing prime airtime will cost you $14,250 for each spot. How much will three commercials airing on three dates cost you? $______

The rent is due on your campaign headquarters! Your prime center city location costs $5,340 a month, water costs $120 a month, electricity will cost $250 a month. How much will you pay for staying here for four months? $______

Campaign FinancingIt takes a large amount of money to fund a political campaign. Think about the advertisements alone that you see during the election season. The best way for politicians to gain support is to get their ideas and political plans in the heads of voters by advertising. That way, when the voters go to the polls they think about which candidate they want to support based on what they know about them.

There are many different expenses that candidates incur on the campaign trail; costs of travel and advertising are the main expenditures. To get the funds necessary to campaign, politicians need to raise money.

Candidates hold fundraising events in order to raise money to support their campaigns. Many times people donate money to a candidate that they believe will do a good job while in office and look out for their best interests. In America, there are special rules concerning who can donate and how much they can contribute. This is to prevent corruption and to prevent a few people controlling the interests of politicians. Fundraising is a big part of campaigning. Candidates have suggested they spend at least a quarter and up to half of their time fundraising. Some tactics include direct mail solicitation, encouraging supports to contribute through the Internet, direct solicitation by the candidate, and special events to raise money.

Raising Money

Look through today’s newspaper for an article about fundraising. What does it take to raise money to support a grandiose endeavor like running for governor? Think of what you would do to raise funds when needed. Draw up a business plan with all the details.

Finance In The News:

Now add up all the expenses_____. Did you stay under budget?

Keystone Fact: One of the oldest newspapers in the country, The Philadelphia Inquirer has influenced the winner in all but one of the last seven elections. Former endorsements include Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge, Bob Casey, and Dick Thornburgh.

10

Political Campaign

Design your own political sign! Come up with a catchy slogan to convince people to vote for you.

A political campaign is an organized effort that’s goal is to influence the decisions of a group. In the election campaign for governor, both Tom Corbett and Dan Onorato are vying for the top spot. Politics are nothing new, people have been engaging in political campaigns for centuries. To put it more simply, politics is a way of making decisions and it is not limited to government organizations. The word politics comes from the Greek word that means “affairs of the state.”

Political Campaign

Campaign AdvertisingCandidates in any election need to get their message to the people. They do this in a variety of ways. They use campaign buttons, bumper stickers, lawn signs, and posters to get their name out there. It is proven that voters who have no idea who to vote for will go to the polls and if they recognize a name from just seeing it, might vote for that name.

Canvassing-Getting To The People

Candidates can focus a lot of their time on canvassing. Canvassing is knocking on doors, and calling voters so they are able to converse with them one-on-one. This type of advertising gives voters direct contact with the candidate or their representatives.

Direct Marketing

Get Out The Vote

Mudslinging-Negative Campaign

This type of advertising is not the typical type that you would see on television or hear on the radio. It is direct mailings, fliers, catalogues, or promotional letters sent directly to voters.

This term is used to describe political activity that is aimed at increasing the number of votes cast. One way this is accomplished is by calling supporters in the days preceding or on Election Day or even picking up people and taking them to the polls.

This type of campaigning seeks to bring out the negative aspects of your opponent. Attacks on an opponent’s character or ideals are meant to turn voters away from your opponent and to you.

As the election date gets closer, keep checking the newspaper for articles on where the editors are putting their support. The credibility of a newspaper can sway any voters’ decision. Some newspapers sway support for a candidate and sometimes the same endorsement might have the opposite effect. Find an article in the paper and have a discussion with your class about what kind of impression it left on you.

Support In The News:

11

The Issues

Keystone Fact: 1.2 million Pennsylvanians do not have health insurance.

Our Issues:As you probably know, Pennsylvania along with the rest of the country has some serious issues to deal with. Every time there is an election, the candidates promise changes and come up with new ways to improve the state and the country. This gubernatorial election is no different. Dan Onorato and Tom Corbett both have their ideas about how and which issues to tackle. The economy is struggling, the environment is a point of contention, healthcare is in the middle of some serious changes, and education is always at the forefront of decision-making.

Jobs And The Economy

The economic system of Pennsylvania deals with jobs, capital or money, and land resources. It is important for an economy to be pro-ductive and strong. A strong economy has a high rate of employment and is able to sustain itself by making capital to support its citizens. Right now in Pennsylvania, the economy is struggling, you may hear that jobs are currently hard to find. Tom Corbett and Dan Onorato have different ideas about how to repair our economy.

Republican candidate Tom Corbett wants to create and maintain good jobs. He also feels that making decisions in the best interest of taxpayers in Harrisburg is important. Corbett would like to reduce tax burdens on businesses to encourage new business growth.

Democratic candidate Dan Onorato similarly feels that job creation is important. He would like to focus on eco-nomic development and mak-ing the commitment to make the tough decisions. Onorato wants to prepare the next generation for high-skills occupations.

What do you want to do when you get older? ____________What college major will help you achieve this goal? ___________

The environment is always an issue during the election season. Candidates have differing opinions on how the natural resources should be used and about how citizens are able to treat the environment. Think about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Our relationship with the environment can have very serious implications. Politicians have differing opinions on how the environment should be used and treated. For this reason choosing a candidate that feels the same as you do about the environment is important. Democratic candidate Dan Onorato is looking to create Green-collar jobs if he becomes our next governor. He thinks maximizing Pennsylvania’s green energy production is one of the keys to protecting the environment.

Republican candidate Tom Corbett wants to tap into our natural resources of coal, gas, oil, and timber to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make energy more affordable for all Pennsylvanians.

Environment

These windmills have sails or vanes that turn in the wind and generate electricity. Windmills are considered a green power energy source.

12

The Issues

EducationThe education of our young people is probably one of the most important issues facing the country. It is well known that proper education leads to more success for the country as a whole. A good education can open doors and create opportunities. It can lift Americans up to a higher standard of life.

Republican candidate Tom Corbett feels that every student in Pennsylvania should have access to the best education possible. He thinks the solution is free-choice schooling. This means stu-dents have the opportunity to select the school, public, charter, private, or cyber charter, that they want to attend. He also feels that the most effective educators that strive to meet high stan-dards should staff schools.

Democratic candidate Dan Onorato knows that education is vital for the economic future. He plans on working to further improve early childhood education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He feels a good start leads to future success.

Do you have any ideas to improve the education system in your community?

With so many Pennsylvanians living without health insurance, it is obvious that healthcare is an important issue for the next Pennsylvania Governor. The poor state of the economy make affordable healthcare vital now more than ever before. Many politicians have differing opinions about the best way to go about achiev-ing this.

Democratic candidate Dan Onorato suggests that he has experience delivering effective health care services. He would like to make the commitment that health care costs will stay at a reasonable rate no matter what happens across the nation.

Republican candidate Tom Corbett thinks the answer lies in medical malpractice reform and strengthening the private market system to drive costs down. This is turn will make healthcare more affordable for all Pennsylvanians.

Agriculture is Pennsylvanians largest industry and a huge part of it’s history. Many people would suggest the turn around our economy needs is dependant on the agricultural industry. Pennsylvania ranks 19th in overall agricultural production but 1st in mushrooms, 3rd in Christmas trees, and 8th in Winemaking.

Republican candidate Tom Corbett is making it one of his top priorities to create and grow agricultural jobs in Pennsylvania. He feels that the agricultural industry is going to be a big component of our economic recovery.

Similarly, Democratic candidate Dan Onorato wants to pursue state policies that will support the growth and development of Pennsylvania farmers by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.

Agricultural

Healthcare

Does your family have insurance?Why do you think it is important to have health insurance?

When the governor’s race is going on, state issues are heavily covered in the newspaper. Look for articles on issues that are important to you. What are the common issues that are important for the whole state of Pennsylvania? Have a discussion with your class about how some issues that are important in big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh might not relate to smaller Pennsylvania towns and why it is important for the candidates to reach everyone.

Issues In The News:

13

Tom Garlish/photographer

Let’s Go To The Polls!

Now that you have a good idea about each candidate and their plans for the future of Pennsylvania it is time to select your next governor. Remember to read the instructions carefully when you go in the voting booth. You will check in at the front desk and then you will be escorted to an available voting

machine. Occasionally, there will be other names or questions written on the ballot. Be sure to take your time and read all the information carefully.

Corbett vs OnoratoBefore you vote, you may want to take this quick quiz to see if your choice is the right one. Answer the following questions to find out which candidate aligns better with your personal

views. Read each question carefully. See page 15 for the Answer Key.

You feel the key to the economic recovery of Pennsylvania isa. spending money on incentives for new businesses.b. cutting back on government spending across the board.

You feel that the healthcare bill that President Obama signed into law isa. adequate and will improve healthcare.b. unreliable and unconstitutional.

You feel the extreme temperatures that we have been experiencing are

a. a result of our abuse of the planet and changes need to be made.b. a result of mother nature and not to be concerned with.

You feel the key to improving the educational system in Pennsylvania is

a. making schools accountable for their strengths and weaknesses.b. school choice- allowing parents to decide where their kids go.

You feel our intervention of international affairs such as the war in Afghanistan is

a. necessary, we are a superpower and need to be involved when we see injustices.b. unnecessary, if it doesn’t involve us we should remain neutral and not waste our time and money.

You feel that changing the way we have always done things is

a. right, we need to evolve and find new ways of thinking.b. wrong, there is a reason why we are a superpower, now is not the time to start changing things.

14

Answer Key For “Corbett vs Onorato”:

Answer Key For “Who am I?”:Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, President Barack Obama, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

If you answered mostly A’s then Dan Onorato is the right candidate for you. If you answered mostly B’s Tom Corbett should receive your vote.

Answer Keys:

Why Voting Is Important

A Message From The Republican Candidate for Governor

When our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, they made sure everyone in America had a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution made our government a democracy to watch over these rights and to give everyone a voice. Voting is the most direct way for you to tell your elected officials how you feel and what issues matter most.

If we do not exercise the right to vote, we are giving up an important privilege. It’s a privilege that too many people around the world don’t have. In some countries, citizens are not allowed to vote and their leader is chosen for them. In America, the people decide. It is what helps makes our country the land of opportunity. We are a nation where people can make a better life for themselves and their families.

By voting you have the power to decide who will be your next president, governor, mayor or township supervisor. Here in Pennsylvania, this year is especially important. It will be the first time in 8 years we will have a new governor. It is the voters who will decide who will lead this great Commonwealth for the next several years.

Voting makes our government work for us. It gives us a voice. Most importantly, it makes sure that we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just like our Founding Fathers envisioned.

A Message From The Democratic Candidate for Governor

What do you see when you walk outside your door in the morning? The sidewalk, the street, maybe a park. There are traffic lights and stop signs. Houses, stores, schools and apartment buildings. And what do you talk about with your friends and your family? Probably jobs and the tough times our economy is facing. The environment. Health care. We – the people of Pennsylvania – are responsible for making sure that our neighborhoods stay in great shape, that our schools are positive places to learn, and that our country is safe and prosperous. That’s why voting is so important. We get to choose who shapes our neighborhoods, our states, and our country. We get to decide if our elected leaders are doing a good job, or if it’s time for a change. From the president and Congress, to the governor and the General Assembly, right down to your local mayor and town council, it’s the government’s job to serve the people. The government shapes how we live, but we shape the government. Take a minute next time you step outside. What do you want your neighborhood to look like in ten years? We can push our world in a positive direction, but only if we vote.

Answer Key For “Stay Under Budget”:

$2,000, $10,050, $58,590, $22,840Add all together: $93,480, you stayed under budget!

15