The Primary Field
Term: 4 years
Job description: Chief executive of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proposes the state's budget -- $28 billion this year -- and crafts its final version in tandem with the Legislature. Traditionally, the most powerful political figure in the state and the unofficial leader of his or her party. Under the state Constuitution, Gov. Ed Rendell can't run for a third term, so there's a wide open contest for the open seat.
Job description: Chief executive of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proposes the state's budget -- $28 billion this year -- and crafts its final version in tandem with the Legislature. Traditionally, the most powerful political figure in the state and the unofficial leader of his or her party. Under the state Constuitution, Gov. Ed Rendell can't run for a third term, so there's a wide open contest for the open seat.