Posted on 02/02/2006 12:20:28 PM PST by presidio9
Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann appears to have locked up enough support to win the Republican Party nomination for Pennsylvania governor. In the last regional GOP meeting before state Republicans meet to endorse a candidate, the NFL Hall of Famer on Tuesday picked up 33 unofficial commitments from party representatives. If they all follow through, he will have just over the 180 votes needed to win the party's official endorsement on Feb. 11. Swann, 53, is seeking to become Pennsylvania's first black governor. Though he has revealed little about his political philosophy, he has said the Democratic Party has "taken the African-American vote for granted." Supporters say his high profile and charisma make him the best candidate to take on Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, who is expected to seek a second term. Swann's leading opponent for the GOP nomination, former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton, 58, has sharply criticized Swann's qualifications and promised to stay in the race through the May 16 primary with or without the party's backing. Scranton's deputy campaign manager, Mike DeVanney, sought to downplay the significance of the straw voting Tuesday. "This was a divided caucus. There's not clear support for Lynn Swann's candidacy," he said. Swann was a wide receiver for the Steelers from 1974-83 and led his team to four Super Bowl victories. After retiring from football, he worked as a commentator
Swann in PA...Blackwell in OH...both Black, both conservative, both football guys (Swann for obvious reasons, Blackwell also played college football at Xavier, and was apparently once drafted by the Cowboys), and both are going to WIN!
Blackwell in Ohio, perhaps. Swann in Pennsylvania, not a chance.
I agree Swann has no chance. As usual, the Republican elite in Pennsylvania are morons. A guy with no experience in government, not even as justice of the peace, thinks he's going to be governor? What are Republicans smoking? So, it's four more years of Fast Eddie and higher taxes.
I think Scranton needs to learn, the goal is to defeat Fast Eddie Rendell's graveyard ballots and 150% Philadelphia turnout. If he can't do that, he needs to withdraw soon.
Actually, a pretty darn good chance. He's already outpolling Fast Eddie and he hasn't even been officially nominated.
I give Blackwell good (60%-70%) chance of a win. Swann I give a fair (30-40%) chance, honestly. He has polled rather well against Rendell lately.
Blackwell's doing pretty well here in Ohio.
you underestimate the anger pa voters have for ed rendell. his approval rating stands somewhere around 47% now and in his whole governorship hasnt inched higher than 55%. if swann runs a half decent campaign and proves hes competent, hes got a great shot.
I dunno. While I don't think Swann's a shoo in, consider this:
Swann will pick up at least ten points more in Western PA just due to the Steelers connection.
He'll pick up at least a few percent higher of the Black vote than a typical white, unknown Republican.
Could make the difference. We'll see.
I disagree. Its a given that the vote in Philly will go Democrat even if the Dem's have to "dig up" another 50,000 voters. Pittsburgh however will go for Swann. The rural areas of Pensylvania are solidly Republican. Even with all the cheating that took place in '04 Kerry could only muster about a 1/2% victory margin.
And who would you put up as a viable candidate against Fast Eddie's well-oiled corruption machine? One who has charisma, name recognition, and a prayer of peeling away some African-american votes to offset the Philly fraud?
Did Arnold have experience before being elected in CA?
I sure hope you're right re Blackwell. He's our last great hope here in the Buckeye state.
Its starting to sound like he has a good shot at it too...
"A guy with no experience in government, not even as justice of the peace, thinks he's going to be governor?"
Tell it to Jesse "the mind" Ventura.
He's been "listening" for a year and a half while trying to decide whether or not to run. In that time, other than the occasional "I'm a conservative" soundbite, he has not developed an actual program or initiative that would give credence to his claims.
Do you have a source for that poll?
This story has had me thinking: Other than Bill Bradley, who was the last former athlete who decided to run for office as a liberal(Harry Reid's boxing claims don't count)? For that matter, who was the most noteworthy former ANYTHING who decided to run for liberal office. Of the top of my head, I can think of a former First Lady, the big-time ambulance chaser they sent out as a VP candidate, and that's about it.
Don't forget Michael Steele for U.S. Senate in Maryland. Man, I'd love for all these guys to win. As much as liberals hate white conservatives, they hate minority conservatives even more. They'll be hysterical if these fine candidates win!
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