HARRISBURG — Four of the five Democratic candidates for governor made their pitches Saturday during the kickoff of the 94th Pennsylvania Farm Show, sounding more like friends than competitors.

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and state Auditor General Jack Wagner refrained from criticizing each other in remarks before more than 100 guests at a luncheon sponsored by the Penn Ag Democrats, an agricultural advocacy group.

An hour earlier, Gov. Ed Rendell presided over the opening of the annual exhibition featuring livestock contests, rodeo competitions, farm machinery and fast food in the cavernous farm show complex on the outskirts of the capital. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are anticipated during the eight-day show.

Wagner, who in his official capacity has often criticized Rendell's Democratic administration, said he would lead the way in reforming a state government in which the annual budget has been late for seven straight years.

"I've been making the tough calls now for five years" as the state's fiscal watchdog, Wagner said.

Onorato and Doherty touted their accomplishments in turning around what were once dismal economic conditions in their local communities and promised to create jobs.

"This is about the economy and this is about jobs," Onorato said.

Hoeffel, a former congressman, advocated taxing the extraction of natural gas to raise additional revenue for agricultural and other programs.

Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox had planned to attend the luncheon, which would have marked the first time all five candidates had participated in the same event, but canceled due to illness.

U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter in the Democratic primary, also spoke at the luncheon. Specter did not attend.

The state's primary is May 18.