Rendell defends legacy against Onorato and Corbett

Outgoing Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell prickles at gubernatorial candidates Dan Onorato and Tom Corbett’s calls for change in job training.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell is defending his track record as the two major-party gubernatorial candidates vow to change how government works.

Both Democrat Dan Onorato and Republican Tom Corbett are vowing to work with community colleges and technical schools to help cater curricula to Pennsylvania’s jobs demands.

The candidates say this is one step toward improving the state’s economy, but Governor Ed Rendell calls the proposal “ludicrous,” arguing he’s been doing that for years.

“We ask the industries what skills they want us to train in,” Rendell says.  “And we’ve won national awards for that. And it’s amazing to me that both of them don’t know that.”

In an interview, Rendell said he’s chafed at how Corbett has labeled him a tax-and-spend liberal, saying he’s brought down administration operating costs, and uses state money to invest in the economy.

Rendell says ultimately, both Corbett and Onorato are “decent, honorable,” men, and he’s worked well with both of them in their current roles.

Rendell is supporting the Democratic ticket, and says he’ll stump for both Onorato and Senate nominee Joe Sestak “as much…or little” as they want him to.