Flanked Tuesday by three high-ranking Democratic state senators, Hermitage businessman Kyle Klaric launched his campaign to unseat incumbent 50th District state Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins.

Klaric said he has a track record of creating jobs.

The 39-year-old Democrat founded the Farrell manufacturing firm Premier Hydraulics eight years ago. The company has grown from two employees to 85, he said.

Klaric also owns Klaric Forge in Crawford County, which employs about 10.

"As a former steelworker who can personally attest to the value of the workers who make this region home, I am committed to strengthening our economy and creating good, family-sustaining jobs," Klaric said.

Klaric said he has "innovative ideas that will make our region even more attractive to new businesses." He said his campaign will be built on proposals to create jobs and on Robbins' legislative record, not mudslinging and finger-point ing.

Klaric said he also wants to reform school funding and provide more vocational education in public schools.

"For years Harrisburg shortchanged our schools and sat back idly on huge surpluses while our local school boards were forced to raise property taxes to make up for the state's floundering commitment to education," Klaric said.

He said he was outraged by Gov. Mark Schweiker's budget plan to give the Philadelphia School District $75 million in additional state money while limiting the other 500 school districts in the state to a 1-percent funding increase. "A 1-percent subsidy increase isn't enough. It won't even help our schools keep up with inflation," Klaric said.

Klaric said another priority would be "endorsing a plan that would force drug manufacturers to offer better discounts" and drive down prescription drug costs.

Klaric received the blessing of Democratic leaders.

"We will do everything we possibly can to get Kyle elected," said Robert J. Mellow, the Senate minority leader.

Mellow promised to put Klaric on an influential Senate committee if he defeats Robbins in November. The Republican incumbent has represented the district, which includes all of Mercer County and parts of Crawford and Lawrence counties, for 12 years.

"Only one 50th District candidate has experience creating jobs for the people he hopes to represent. Kyle is a proven creator of jobs," Mellow said.

State Sen. and Lt. Gov. candidate Allen Kukovich and Senate Minority Secretary Rafael Musto also endorsed Klaric.