A day after former Gov. Tom Ridge endorsed Corbett, a Republican, Thornburgh, who was a two-term governor in the 1980s, said Corbett “possesses the intellect, vision, ideas and energy that will be necessary to lead Pennsylvania, and turn around our ailing economy.”

“As a Pennsylvania Governor who balanced the state’s budget eight consecutive years while cutting costs and tax rates and reducing our indebtedness, I believe I know a thing or two about fiscal responsibility,” Thornburgh said in a statement. “Tom’s commitment to curb out of control spending rather than raise taxes or go deeper into debt will go a long way towards improving Pennsylvania’s financial stability.”

Corbett is running against Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) in next year’s GOP primary.

See Thornburgh’s full statement below:

Statement from Former Governor Dick Thornburgh

Today I am pleased to announce my enthusiastic endorsement of Tom Corbett to become Pennsylvania’s next Governor.  I have come to this important decision based on a number of factors.

First, through his service as United States Attorney and his six years as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, I believe Tom Corbett has always represented the people of our state with honor, integrity, and remarkable success.

Second, I believe Tom Corbett possesses the intellect, vision, ideas and energy that will be necessary to lead Pennsylvania, and turn around our ailing economy. As a Pennsylvania Governor who balanced the state’s budget eight consecutive years while cutting costs and tax rates and reducing our indebtedness, I believe I know a thing or two about fiscal responsibility.  Tom’s commitment to curb out of control spending rather than raise taxes or go deeper into debt will go a long way towards improving Pennsylvania’s financial stability.

Finally, Tom has earned my deepest respect for the manner in which has handled investigations into corruption in Pennsylvania.  As a former United States Attorney General under two Presidents, I know the type of political pressure that can be brought down on prosecutors to do things that only serve the time frames of others.  Tom Corbett has clearly demonstrated that he is conducting his investigations thoroughly and fairly.  This shows unequivocally that Tom Corbett possesses the type of character the citizens of Pennsylvania deserve from their Governor.

I look forward to joining Tom on the campaign trail, and working hard to help him become Pennsylvania’s next Governor.