Despite the bitter turn the Democratic primary contest for governor has taken in the closing days of the campaign, candidates Dan Malloy and Ned Lamont are both worthy candidates and not far apart on the issues.

Mr. Malloy, the pick of the nominating convention, contends his 14 years serving as mayor of Stamford better prepare him for the job of governor. He stepped down when his term expired in December 2009 to focus on the governor's race.

Mr. Malloy's career is one of government service. Before becoming mayor in 1995, he served as a state prosecutor. This is his second attempt for the governor's chair, having lost a primary battle four years ago to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, who in turn lost the general election.

Mr. Lamont makes the case that the twin problems of a severe state budget crisis and a battered economy make it a good time to elect someone from outside the political mainstream, someone without political debts and a willingness to try new approaches. Mr. Lamont contends he is that candidate.

A successful businessman who built a cable communications company, Mr. Lamont went quickly from political obscurity to national attention when he challenged and beat Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary. But when Sen. Lieberman petitioned to run as an independent in the general election, Mr. Lamont's momentum slowed and the incumbent won handily.

The two candidates recognize that getting benefit and pension concessions from state labor unions will be vital in closing the estimated $3.5 billion budget gap awaiting the next governor. They know the state can no longer ignore its grossly underfunded pension liabilities.

Mr. Lamont's willingness to explore Health Savings Accounts for state employees, a system that in Indiana has saved money by making participants more cost conscious about health care decisions, is laudable.

Likewise, Mr. Malloy's proposal to allow municipalities to share in the revenue generated from utility, cable, sales, and hotel taxes, shows a willingness to explore new ideas.

Both candidates recognize a need to take better advantage of Connecticut's skilled workforce, its strong university system and its biotechnology industries. They pledge to be highly involved in economic development.

They site the need for education reforms and improved transportation, but temper expectations against the reality of the budget crisis. They say tax increases could prove necessary, but only after fixing a wasteful and inefficient bureaucracy. Both recognize the state cannot balance the budget by denying those most in need of its help.

The question for Democratic voters Aug. 10 is which candidate will be more effective in the general election and who would make the better governor if elected.

We conclude that candidate is Mr. Malloy.

His ability to bring new businesses to Stamford softened the blow to that city when the recession hit Connecticut. During his tenure as mayor, the city implemented a citywide pre-school program, and Mr. Malloy will make early childhood education a state priority. In Stamford he took innovative steps to reduce municipal energy use. Mr. Malloy made government work effectively.

Whatever it is that puts people at ease, Mr. Malloy appears to have it. His innate political skills will serve him well in what should prove a tough general election. Conversely, Mr. Lamont's refusal to debate in the closing days of the campaign, only to flip-flop when the criticism became intense, showed poor political judgment.

Using his own fortune, Mr. Lamont would be able to spend heavily on advertising. But with access to at least $3 million in state campaign funding, Mr. Malloy can compete. In the primary he has used his resources effectively.

When it comes to governing, Mr. Malloy's experience as a mayor better prepares him for the state's top job, while Mr. Lamont faces a steep learning curve.

The Day gives its endorsement to Dan Malloy and urges Democrats to back him Aug. 10.