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In order to win, he's got to take Pittsburg and Philadelphia, or at least severely cut into Rendell's lead there. Since Philly is 80%Dem to 20%(on a good day) Republican, he would have his work cut out for him. However, his name recognition might get him a head start on anyone else the Republicans put up. Also, what could initially be perceived as a negative, i.e. lack of government experience, might actually be a positive since Pennsylvanians are rather riled up about the stealth pay raise the Legislature pushed through. This has generated quite a bit of anti-incumbent sentiment.

Perhaps the biggest boost Swann could give to his campaign is to come out solidly in favor of a proposal coming up in the House for debate in November which would eliminate both personal and business property taxes completely. The state sales tax would be lowered from 6% to 5%, but would be expanded to cover services instead of simply being on goods. All school funding, which currently comes from property taxes would come from the revised income tax. Additionally, the portion of the Philadelphia City Wage tax (which is currently just a bit above 4.3% for residents and 3.8% for non-residents working in the city) that goes to fund the Philadelphia Public Schools would have to be eliminated. This will play really well both in the city as well as in the suburbs. The elimination of the business property tax would also be a great incentive to get businesses to move into the city again.

For those in Pa. who haven't heard of the proposal, they have a webpage at .