Connecticut's next governor is going to have be ruthless about reining in state spending and proactive about private-sector job creation, tasks already on the candidates' to-do lists but more pressing now than ever.

The latest examination of the state's fiscal health by analysts at the University of Connecticut paints an even direr picture than thought. The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis reports that the 90,000 jobs lost in the state since the recession began in late 2007, coupled with Connecticut's failure to create substantive new jobs over the past two decades, imperils its chances of recovery.

Among its recommendations: Development of public-policy initiatives to kick-start economic expansion across the state, including adjusting the tax system to make it more equitable for businesses and individuals and taking advantage of Connecticut's vast potential for research-and-development tax credits.

There is also a call to review and eliminate outmoded regulations that are stunting the state's economic growth, and to encourage development of energy-saving technology.

The next governor is going to have to do more than pay lip service. It will take a bold leader to show the state the way out of its $3.4 billion deficit and back to solvency.

But there are concerns that to get there the state will need to shed government jobs, adding to its already high unemployment. Voters need to study the candidates and make educated decisions on Election Day.

Republican Tom Foley and Democrat Dan Malloy each maintain he is the gubernatorial candidate who can head the state out of the recession.

Mr. Malloy points to his success as mayor of Stamford and his detailed plan to upright Connecticut's economy, while Mr. Foley says it is politicians who have gotten the state in its current mess and his business know-how honed over 25 years will lead it out.

Whoever wins, the job will be daunting. That is more evident now than ever.