By now, voters are sick of the underhanded tactics, misleading portrayals and nasty commercials. No, we're not talking about the presidential campaign, but the state Senate race in the 39th District.

Bob Regola, 42, of Hempfield changed his party registration 10 months ago from Democratic to Republican and launched a challenge to two-term Democratic incumbent Allen Kukovich, 57, of Manor. Fueled by unusually heavy spending for a state Senate contest, the race has heated up the airwaves, but shed little light on what is important come Election Day: maintaining intelligent, dedicated representation in Harrisburg -- the kind provided by Sen. Kukovich.

Residents of the Westmoreland County district (33 municipalities including Greensburg, Latrobe, Jeannette, Irwin, Mount Pleasant, New Stanton and North Huntingdon) need to focus on the records of the candidates.

Mr. Regola is a professional surveyor and chairman of the Hempfield Township supervisors. He claims to be a responsible steward of public dollars, one who has never raised taxes. It's no wonder. With 40,000 people, his township is one of the largest in Pennsylvania that mooches off the state for police protection, usually the costliest item of any local budget.

Despite presiding over a budget that relies on so much welfare, he spouts a far-right platform of divisive, polarizing issues that have little consequence on the well-being of his district. Gay marriage, flag desecration, warning labels on CDs and declaring English the official language of Pennsylvania -- there is no button that is too hot for Bob Regola to push.

Yet none of these issues will bring one more job to Westmoreland County or extend health care to one more child. By contrast, Allen Kukovich, for eight years in the Senate and 20 years in the House, has been instrumental in legislation that makes a difference.

He was a leading force behind the creation of CHIP, the program that secures medical care for children who are uninsured. He was a player in expanding the eligibility of low-income elderly for the state's PACE prescription program. He's been a voice for reform by pushing for tough financial disclosure by elected officials and by seeking to reduce the size of the Legislature.

He saw the legalization of slot machines as a way not only to provide property tax relief but also to keep millions of entertainment dollars at home, thus saving and even creating jobs; Mr. Regola was opposed. The senator also has a reputation in the capital for being able to work with members of both parties to benefit his district and Pennsylvania. Bob Regola, who pledges to fight for "traditional Westmoreland County values" (whatever they are), is likely to be a divider, not a uniter.

Voters in the 39th District should tune out the din in this ugly campaign and concentrate on what matters -- health coverage, economic development and good government, for starters. On these fronts and others, Allen Kukovich has served his district exceedingly well. He deserves another term.