The reference is to the widely reported news story this summer that Rendell had earmarked $10 million in state redevelopment funding for a library at Philadelphia University named in Specter's honor. It shows a none-too-flattering photo of the five-term senator.
Specter, who lost the May Democratic primary for Senate, quickly sent reporters a rejoinder, saying:
"Mr. Corbett ought to check the facts. The facts are that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is putting up $1.927 million to match $2 million put up by Philadelphia University for the Senator Arlen Specter Center for Political Science and International Relations."
The facts are these: There was, indeed, a $10 million authorization in the state's capital budget for the library. But the size of the project has been cut back, and the appropriation from the state will be in the amount specified by Specter.
The new ad continued the escalating tone in the governor's race less than seven weeks before Election Day.
Onorato accused Corbett on Wednesday of portraying himself as a fiscal conservative while in truth being something of a spendthrift.
The Corbett campaign responded that Onorato was trying to deflect attention from his record of having raised spending as the Allegheny County executive in Pittsburgh.
Onorato, who has been attacked by Corbett for enacting an unpopular drink tax in Allegheny County bars and restaurants, said in a Philadelphia City Hall news conference that Corbett was in no position to talk about fiscal responsibility because, as a Shaler Township commissioner in the 1980s, he had once voted to raise the real estate taxes by 20 percent.
He also noted that as state attorney general, Corbett has asked for a budget increase each year from the legislature. He said that when he had been in a similar position as a row officer - as Allegheny County controller - he had never asked for or received a budget hike for his office.
"His actions don't match his rhetoric," Onorato said. "That is the problem here."
Kevin Harley, a spokesman for Corbett, cited a recent report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Onorato had increased Allegheny County spending 18 percent in his seven years as county executive.
"Dan Onorato raises hypocrisy to a new level," Harley said.
Contact staff writer Tom Infield at 610-313-8205 or tinfield@phillynews.com.
