School vouchers - its No. 1 legislative priority - emerges as the clearest point of difference for mayoral candidates in the new Archdiocese of Philadelphia voters guide.

And that's fine with the questionnaire's architect.

"There was a time it was viewed as only a Catholic issue, but now it is more mainstream," said Guy Ciarrocchi, archdiocese director of public affairs. "Many of us are surprised to see the prominence it has taken [in the campaign]. The debate is a plus. Regardless of who wins, the issue won't go away."

Democrat John Street reiterates his opposition to school choice payments to parents. He writes that he "appreciate[s] the contribution made by the archdiocese and other private schools" but says the state fails to adequately fund public education.

Republican Sam Katz said his "support for school choice is longstanding." Katz writes he'd make public education his first priority as mayor but will "also support public and private options, including charter schools and vouchers" as tools to "retain young families" in the city.

John P. McDermott of the Constitution Party, who shares more demographic traits with the questionnaire's target audience than Street or Katz, scores a perfect 9-0 in agreeing with archdiocesan stands on vouchers and other hot-button issues.

But McDermott, a white Irish Catholic from Northeast Philadelphia, failed to use the questionnaire to connect further. He simply answered "support" or "oppose" and declined to amplify his reponse.

Street and Katz wrote detailed positions on almost every issue but rarely stated support or opposition. Both offered "comments only" on the state Abortion Control Act although they have generally favored abortion rights.

The questionnaire doesn't list a "correct" response. But the Catholic stances - for school vouchers and a "living wage" ordinance, against gay rights legislation, abortion, needle exchanges, and condoms for school kids - are well known.

The questionnaire also surveys City Council candidates, but most took a pass. Only four incumbents and seven major party challengers replied, with 17 seats at stake.

This is the archdiocese's first year for a local guide to voters. Past national and state Catholic guides have been published.

The guide was inserted in yesterday's Catholic Standard and Times, which reaches about 40,000 city households. It will be available on the archdiocese website and in about 120 city parishes in newsletters or on literature tables.