By Brad Bumsted and Salena Zito

Published: Monday, August 27, 2012, 11:00 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, February 6, 2013

TAMPA – Gov. Tom Corbett on Monday told Pennsylvania delegates to the Republican National Convention that the federal government needs to do what he did two years in a row in partnership with the Legislature: balance the budget without raising taxes.

“What we have done is balance two budgets on time, without raising taxes on the families of Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. That put Pennsylvania on the path to fiscal stability, he said.

“We need the same thing in our country,” he said. “What we need in America is strong leadership.”

Corbett was speaking at the delegates' first meeting of the convention, an event cut short by one day as Tropical Storm Isaac moves up the Gulf of Mexico toward New Orleans.

The 500 or so people attending from Pennsylvania — 72 of whom are delegates — got the day off as they wait for the now three-day convention to begin Tuesday afternoon.

State party officials scheduled a trip to the Florida Aquarium, where the guests include Corbett and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Pennsylvania delegates have criticized Obama for the lack of fiscal stability.

“The president hasn't done a budget in three years,” state Republican Party Chairman Rob Gleason.

In what was largely a pep rally speech to delegates at a breakfast meeting, Corbett said media often ask him whether a Republican, in this case Mitt Romney, can win Pennsylvania.

“Obviously a Republican can win Pennsylvania,” he said, referring to himself and GOP-controlled Senate and House chambers, Corbett said.

The team to put the country back on track fiscally is Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan, his running mate, the governor said, adding he shares their vision for the nation.

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