Dan Onorato made headlines Thursday when he announced his support for a “grant” system for schoolchildren in failing schools to attend better, private schools. His public endorsement of school choice, a move he has described as “very consistent with my long-term political career,” amounts to a mirroring of the position of Tom Corbett, his Republican opponent.

Of course, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the state’s largest teachers union, disapproved. “The reality with any candidate is that you don’t agree on 100 percent of the issues,” said [PSEA president] Jim Testerman.

This begs the question: What does Onorato — down in the polls by a sizable ten points — have to gain from mimicking his opponent on school choice? He might win additional votes in urban areas particularly plagued by failing schools, but he stands to gain little ground on his opponent in doing so, and still risks sapping a more full-throated support from the teachers union.

But Onorato gains political unity with Anthony Williams, a state senator and ardent school-choice advocate who was the recipient of millions in contributions thanks to his advocacy. When asked directly by the Morning Call whether Onorato’s endorsement could mean more flush campaign coffers, Williams demurred, saying only, “That’s for Dan to figure out.”

No doubt he already has. Time will tell, though, with the next campaign finance report due out Sept. 21.