Governor Rendell “fact-checks” his would-be successors

Rendell has a problem with Auditor General Jack Wagner and Attorney General Tom Corbett’s calls for a reduced state budget.

Governor Rendell has taken it upon himself to fact-check the candidates running to replace him.

Before the gubernatorial campaign heated up, Rendell promised to challenge Republican and Democratic candidates when they made claims he disagreed with.

Along those lines, Rendell has a problem with Auditor General Jack Wagner and Attorney General Tom Corbett’s calls for a reduced state budget.

Rendell points out both row officers requested increased funding for their departments when they appeared before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees this year.

“Now gentlemen,” says Rendell, “it’s ok to start your engines, but don’t be hypocrites. Tell the people the truth. If you want to start cutting the budget, let’s start at home. Frugality begins at home.”

Corbett asked for a $1.9 million increase, while Wagner requested $3.3 million.

Both offices lost more than six million dollars during the previous budget cycle.

During an afternoon press conference, Wagner pointed out his office budget is smaller than when he took office five years ago.

He told Rendell to “get [his] facts straight.”