Posted on 12/05/2005 7:25:25 PM PST by wjersey
One of the worst-kept secrets in Pennsylvania politics will be revealed next month: Lynn Swann is a candidate for governor.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is expected to announce his plans to seek the Republican nomination at a Jan. 4 rally in Pittsburgh. He will make six stops across the state, including one in the Philadelphia area Jan. 6.
His political committee, Team 88, began sending postcards this week to 15,000 supporters touting a "major announcement" on Jan. 4.
"If it looks like a swan, walks like swan, and talks like a swan, it is probably a swan," said spokesman Ray Zaborney, responding to the question today of whether Swann would announce his candidacy.
For months, Swann has been acting like a candidate, speaking at Republican county dinners, raising money and criticizing Democratic Gov. Rendell. But he has always demurred when asked whether he would formalize his bid, frustrating some GOP officials and donors who wanted Swann to be more definitive.
The timetable was dictated, in part, by his job as a college football analyst for ABC. He will broadcast his final game just a few days before his announcement.
Swann will compete against two other candidates for the Republican nomination: former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton and state Senate Majority Whip Jeffrey E. Piccola. Jim Panyard, a conservative former businessman from Palmyra, Lebanon County, announced his candidacy in September, but he is not seeking the party's endorsement.
BTTT.
Hubby went to a fundraiser a few weeks ago. Did you see his signoff speech during last night's game?
I saw it. Swann and the other announcers seemed to be trying really hard not to say what his future endeavors involved, but they came close. I'm really looking forward to this campaign. Pa. just can't afford another Fast Eddie term in office.
I know. I can't believe the announcers just let that info hang there! But then again it would have taken away from the victory had they talked about it!
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