Early Returns was on hand as Dan Onorato made the long-awaited announcement _ he's not running for a third term as county executive.  He hasn't made up on his mind on his political future but a run for auditor general in 2012 is among his options.  That would give him a chance to cash in the statewide name recognition he gained in his losing bid against Gov.-elect Tom Corbett.  Remember that commercial where he spelled his name for us?

Dan said it's too soon to consider who he might support to be his successor.  He said his priorites for the balance of his term include the assessment battle he's been fighting for eight years now; and the possible leasing of Marcellus Shale rights on county-owned property surrounding Pittsburgh International Airport.

While deciding not to seek one more term in the corner office on Grant Street, he observed that he's confident that he would win handily if did put his name on the ballot.