While state politicians, voters and the media are predicting abortion will be one of the gubernatorial campaign's hottest issues, some area leaders say Gov. Robert P. Casey's record generally has been unproductive for the Centre Region.

At a noon news conference yesterday in Harrisburg, Casey and Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, who is also running for re-election, cited a need for attention to the environment, education, employment, drug abuse, auto insurance costs and human services.

But Democrat Casey's four years in office have done little for the area, said Ted Vallance, chairman of the Centre County Democratic Committee.

"I can't say he does great shakes for the Centre Region or anyplace else -- he hasn't advocated strong funding for Penn State," Vallance said. "We're still the highest in-state tuition in the state."

Casey offered a 2.8 percent overall increase in funding for the University in his proposed budget. During his annual visit to Harrisburg Feb. 26, University President Bryce Jordan requested an overall increase of 12.7 percent.

"The land grant says the University is to educate the sons and daughters of the working class . . . now, if you're a well-to-do lottery winner of the middle class, you're fine," Vallance said.

Casey has also proposed cuts in funding for research in biotechnology and agriculture which would affect many jobs in the area, said state Rep. Lynn Herman, R-Philipsburg.

"Overall Gov. Casey's spending plan is not friendly to the needs of the Centre Region and I believe people need to know that in order to make a decision in the governor's race," Herman said, adding that he does support Casey's funding to programs for women and children.

But the key issue of the campaign will be abortion, Vallance said.

"A lot of folks are going to be unhappy in his position on the matter of choice in parenthood, and he won't be able to escape that," Vallance said. "I've found a lot of Democrats who supported him in the past and are saying, 'Not this time, Bob.' "

" Casey has said he is pro-life, and in December he signed the nation's strictest state abortion law, which prohibits abortions after 24 weeks. State Auditor General Barbara Hafer, the leading candidate for the Republican primary for governor, has said she is pro-choice.

Tony May, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said other issues -- such as the ability to govern, administrative experience, taxes, day care and maternity leave -- will play just as important roles in the campaign.

"Saying the only issue is abortion is saying there is no difference between Barbara Hafer and Bob Casey except their personal views on abortion, which simply isn't so," May said. "It's not good to choose a governor or any candidate for office on the basis of personal opinions. It's not what you think, it's what you do, in politics."

If abortion remains at the forefront of the campaign, the discussion should move beyond personal views to question what legislation the candidates would actually implement, May said, noting that this applies to any issue, not just abortion.

"The debate has not focused on the substance of the abortion issue, but on the candidates personal opinions . . . personal opinions are irrelevant," May said. "I'd like to see the debate expanded to get to the point where the legislature can deal with."

Casey will try to attract pro-choice women by drawing attention to issues such as child care and pay equity, said Judy Katz, a member of Centre Countians for Choice, adding that the governor has had a "fairly progressive agenda" on certain issues.

But his pro-life view will split both parties, as voters decide on the abortion issue, she said.

"There are a lot of people who are registered Democrats and no doubt registered Republicans who will be switching parties," Katz said. "I'm sure you'll see them sprouting all over the place -- Republicans for Casey and Democrats for Hafer."

Garnett Biviano, president of the Pennsylvania Pro-life Federation, said abortion will be an important issue but not the only one.

"We support the candidate who supports the pro-life policy, which is Governor Casey," Biviano said. "You have two candidates opposed on the issue, it will play a part of the campaign, probably an important part."