McCord Celebrates Win in Pittsburgh

Democrat Rob McCord will be Pennsylvania's next Treasurer. He defeated Republican Tom Ellis and Libertarian Berlie Etzel. McCord will take over for Robin Wiessmann, who was appointed to the office after Bob Casey was elected to the U.S. Senate. Wiessmann agreed not to seek a full term in office.

McCord spent Election Night in Pittsburgh, even though he's from Montgomery County. He says he's worked in Pittsburgh and has strong ties to his party's union base. After thanking supporters at the IBEW hall on the South Side, McCord cautioned that they have a lot of work to do. He says he wants to help families and especially women who have been hit hard by the poor economy. McCord also says he wants to take a hard look at state spending in order to avoid a tax increase next year.

Revenues this fiscal year have so far lagged behind projections. Governor Ed Rendell has ordered state agencies to cut spending, but some state leaders fear a tax increase may be the only way to balance the budget unless the economy improves.