In light of state Treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll's decision not to seek the Democratic nomination for governor, candidate Charles Volpe expects his support in western Pennsylvania to skyrocket.

Since Volpe, a 33-year-old Pittsburgh insurance executive, is the only Democratic candidate currently living in the western part of the state, he will be favored in that portion of the state, he said during his University visit yesterday. Three of the candidates are from the Philadelphia area and Lt. Gov. Mark Singel resides in Harrisburg, he said.

But Ed Peavy, Singel's campaign manager, said the latest public opinion poll shows Singel in the lead with 38 percent, while state Rep. Bob O'Donnell of Philadelphia and Volpe are tied with 3 percent. Former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lynn Yeakel has 20 percent, Knoll has 13 percent and state Rep. Dwight Evans of Philadelphia has 4 percent.

"Singel is clearly the strongest candidate in the race," Peavy said. Job creation and retention, and welfare reform are key issues Singel plans to focus on during his campaign, he said.

Sue Pegden, Volpe's press secretary, said Volpe already has a stronghold in northeastern Pennsylvania and with Knoll dropping out of the nomination race, he should have an edge in western Pennsylvania.

In April 1992, Yeakel had 2 percent in the public opinion polls, but she came from behind and beat Singel for the Democratic nomination, Pegden said.

Volpe said Yeakel had an important message during her Senate race in that she stood for women's rights and governmental change.

"Singel doesn't stand for anything," Volpe said. Volpe pointed out that monetary donations are correlated with a successful campaign, therefore he said he is running for the more than 10 million Pennsylvanians who "cannot afford to be represented."

But Peavy said Singel stands for hundreds of things -- including job creation, welfare reform and education. Singel has volunteered to do an audit of the state and signed many bills while Gov. Robert P. Casey was recovering from his transplant.

"Experience is what Pennsylvania needs -- and far and away Mark Singel is the best candidate," Peavy said.

Pegden said Volpe's ranking is "very strong" for a candidate who is virtually unknown and has never held a political office before. Volpe said he will focus on state job retention, economic concerns, education and crime prevention during his campaign.

Volpe said his campaign will not be affected by Singel's experiences as lieutenant governor and acting governor because he will make himself known by heavy campaigning across the state.

While he recognizes Lt. Gov. Mark Singel's experience and knowledge as credible, Volpe said he already has about $3.5 million to hire a capable staff, make television commercials and to travel across the state campaigning. About $1 million of this campaign fund Volpe donated himself.