The Press asked the candidates what the most pressing issue was facing Pennsylvanians and why he should be elected or re-elected governor of the commonwealth.

Republican

Incumbent Tom Corbett

The most pressing issue facing our state is the unfunded $50 billion pension debt.

This crisis will grow to a cost that will double the state budget in a few years. It will cost each Pennsylvania household over $13,000.

Pension obligations are taking more than 60 cents of every new revenue dollar, affecting the resources we have for our schools, economic development and infrastructure and is the driving reason for rising property taxes.

The commonwealth must make the payments we are required to make, as my administration has done, but long-term reform is necessary to ensure sustainability of the fund.

The cornerstone of my first proposal was a 401(k) for all new state employees, and a transition for current employees that preserved the benefits they had already accrued through the defined-benefit system we have today.

After working with the legislature, we are close to an agreement on enrolling new employees in this type of plan.

After my re-election, I will assemble stakeholders and experts to study the issue and immediately call a special session of the legislature early next year to address the pension crisis and rising property taxes.

Unfortunately my opponent is beholden to donations he has received from public sector unions fighting to protect the status quo.

I have made and kept my promises to Pennsylvanians to make the tough decisions necessary to restore fiscal responsibility in Harrisburg. I left the rhetoric behind and did what I said I was going to do, regardless of the political consequences or benefits.

We have seen unemployment fall from 8.1 percent to 5.7 percent and nearly 180,000 new private sector jobs created.

We're attracting new industries and growing our economy by investing in transportation, cheaper energy and a stronger, healthier workforce.

I challenged government to reduce wasteful spending and not increase your taxes. I cannot say the same for my opponent who is running on the same failed policies that led our state to a $4.2 billion deficit and near double-digit unemployment.

I will continue to look beyond special interests and political expediency to build a foundation Pennsylvania needs to become a better place to live, work and raise our families and leave a stronger Pennsylvania for our children and grandchildren.

I kept my word when you gave me this incredible opportunity to serve you four years ago and I hope you will honor me with the opportunity to continue to fight for you.

Democrat Tom Wolf

As governor, creating jobs will be my No. 1 priority. Under Gov. Corbett, Pennsylvania has fallen from ninth to 50th in job creation in the nation.

I built a company in Pennsylvania and I have created hundreds of jobs.

Creating jobs starts with building a strong workforce. That is why I want a 5 percent severance tax to help fund our schools.

We need good paying jobs with competitive wages and benefits. Right now, middle class wages are stagnant and that's unacceptable. My company pays solid wages and provides good benefits, and we share 20 percent to 30 percent of our profits with our workers.

We need to make sure we put the middle class first and build sectors that create good jobs.

I have developed a manufacturing plan that incentivizes new jobs, innovation and prepares our workforce for the 21st century.

I know manufacturing has a future in America and with the right leadership, that can lead job growth in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania needs a different kind of leader – someone who will bring a fresh start to Harrisburg, change the way we've been doing things – and I believe I am that leader.

Pennsylvania is faced with big problems and we can't keep thinking career politicians can solve them.

It's time to get Pennsylvania moving forward again.