As the United States' financial sector melts down, the usually low-key race for Pennsylvania state treasurer has gained unusual prominence.
The state treasurer acts as steward of the commonwealth's finances, directing taxes and managing state assets, such as pension funds.
Democratic candidate Robert McCord, 49, wants to fix the current financial situation by eliminating wasteful spending and investing in innovative energy conservation projects.
Specifically, he wants to create more green-collared jobs and push for inflation control for college students who have invested in state-run college plans.
As a former Congress aid and CEO of the nonprofit Congressional Institute for the Future, McCord learned venture capitalism techniques, hands-on.
Tom Ellis, 49, embodies the standard Republican candidate. He believes that the "government should be run like a business," according to his campaign Web site.
As a previous bond lawyer, he aspires to cut taxes - a method that he hopes will spur the economy by generating millions of dollars for saving.
Ellis also touts some liberal ideals, promising to organize task forces to study greenhouse gas reduction and promoting campaign finance reform. Another focal point, he said, is to reduce state school's tuition.
In following the other two candidates' desire to increase transparency, Libertarian candidate Berlie Etzel also wants the public to gain an understanding of the state treasurer's actions.
Etzel is a retired college professor of mathematics and science at Cheyney University and hopes to diligently control pension funds.
