Tomorrow is Election Day. For Pennsylvania, this means the culmination of four gubernatorial… Tomorrow is Election Day. For Pennsylvania, this means the culmination of four gubernatorial campaigns – two, if you’re realistic – and the reception of new state leadership. After two consecutive years of funding cuts and significant tuition increases, it is especially important that student voters support a candidate who will keep their interests in mind. To that end, The Pitt News endorses Ed Rendell.

No candidate can hope to be taken seriously unless he is experienced. Over the course of a career spanning more than 30 years, Rendell has held many positions that have prepared him for the demands a governor must face. In addition to his law practice, he served as Philadelphia’s district attorney from 1978 to 1985, and went on to serve as the city’s mayor from 1992 to 1999. In 2000, Rendell served as the General Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

But the most important aspect of Rendell’s record is revitalization. During his term as mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell worked to eradicate the city’s $250 million deficit and balance the budget. He reversed the city’s job loss trend and lowered income taxes for four consecutive years. Philadelphia voters will testify that Rendell vastly improved the city’s economy, and he will work similar magic for Pennsylvania’s financial woes.

For students, a vote for Rendell is a vote for the only college-friendly candidate. He has often expressed his interest in the problems with state education, and he made his concern for Pitt evident through two separate appearances here during his campaign. Opponent Mike Fisher declined invitations.

Rendell has also consistently received the support of those in the education field. The Association of Pennsylvania College and University Faculty and the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers endorse him. He even teaches two government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rendell’s experience, results and candor have demonstrated to voters across the state that he is up to the task. He has already received endorsements from more than a dozen newspapers from Philadelphia to Harrisburg to Johnstown to Pittsburgh.

Rendell’s plans and goals for the future – especially when contrasted to the two-dimensional campaign of his closest opponent – are exactly what Pennsylvania needs to be re-energized, and his down-to-earth political savvy is certainly deserving of your vote.