BOSTON — State representative candidate Lawrence "Lonnie" Brennan and Rep. Barbara L'Italien agree on one thing: Local aid should be out of bounds if midyear spending cuts become necessary.

On Sunday, Gov. Deval Patrick asked for expansive powers to trim spending if the economy tanks. The Eagle-Tribune reported Tuesday that the Patrick administration would not rule out cuts to local aid.

Brennan, a former Georgetown selectman, said, if he was in the Statehouse, he would not back a cut in aid to cities and towns.

"Absolutely not," said Brennan, a Republican.

L'Italien, D-Andover, said she believes the Legislature will protect local aid.

"I think having lived through that in 2003-2004, the Legislature would make it a priority not to cut," L'Italien said.

Patrick contends he needs the emergency authority to act quickly in an economic meltdown, especially if that happens during the next five months, when the Legislature is out of session.

Neither candidate for the 18th Essex District seat, which includes Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Haverhill, part of Methuen, and North Andover, would give Patrick that absolute budget cutting authority.

Brennan said Patrick had his shot at responsible budget cuts when he trimmed just $122.5 million from the $28.3 billion budget lawmakers sent him. It's up to the Legislature to make any further cuts.

"It's abdicating their own responsibility if they do," Brennan said. "We elect them to do the people's business."

L'Italien, who'd be asked to vote on the governor's plan, said she opposes it.

"I don't feel comfortable granting expanded (budget cutting) powers," said L'Italien. "If we were in serious trouble, I'm convinced we'd reconvene."

Whether the state is in serious trouble is unclear.

On Wednesday, the government said revenue collections were up 5.8 percent over last year, as the state took in more than $1 billion in taxes in fiscal 2008, which ended June 30. However, revenues for June alone were up less than a percent, possibly suggesting a slowdown.

While many area Democrats believe there'll be a need for midyear spending cuts, L'Italien said the good revenue news coupled with reports of new job creation suggests the state can avoid them.

"I applaud the governor for planning ahead, but I'm not convinced they're going to be necessary," L'Italien said.