The only slight drama that the primary offers for the governor's race involves the second name on the Democratic November ticket.

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Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll's bid to remain at Mr. Rendell's side faces three opponents: William Hall, a businessman and former developer from Northampton County; Valerie McDonald Roberts, the Allegheny County recorder of deeds; and Gene Stilp, a Dauphin County political activist and anti-pay raise crusader.

In Pennsylvania, the governor and lieutenant governor run separately in the primary election and are united in a ticket only in the general election. The 2002 Democratic electorate imposed a shotgun political marriage on Mr. Rendell and Mrs. Knoll as she emerged victorious in a nine-person primary in which the governor-to-be remained neutral.

This time around, Mr. Rendell backed Mrs. Knoll's candidacy. With divided opposition and by far the highest name recognition in the race, she is strongly favored in the May 16 contest.

Mrs. Knoll, 75, of McKees Rocks, is a political veteran with experience dating to the administration of the late Gov. Milton Shapp. She came to the 2002 race after serving two terms as state treasurer. With her Western Pennsylvania base of support, Mrs. Knoll would again bring gender and geographic balance to the Democratic ticket.

Citing criticism of her performance in office, her challengers contend that they would bring more energy and competence to a second Rendell administration.

Ms. Roberts, 50, of Churchill, who is African-American, contends that she would be complementary in terms of race as well, in a contest in which her party faces the GOP's first-ever African-American nominee for governor.

Mr. Hall, 55, of Northampton County, says his business background would bring a unique contribution to state government.

Mr. Stilp, 55, of Dauphin County, argues that he would extend to the executive branch the reform agenda that he displayed in opposing last year's since-rescinded legislative pay increase.

Mr. Swann locked up the GOP primary months ago while anointing Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews as his running mate. Mr. Matthews, 57, is unopposed in the primary.