Blackwell, Ohio; Swann, Pennsylvania; Steele, Maryland
Et tu, Marcus?
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
You have a point, but here's the thing. The ones that call him a traitor won't vote anything BUT Democrat, regardless. More moderate Dems and independents like star power, which Swann has. As I said previously, I give Swann a 30-50% chance of a win. Certainly possible, and I think regardless, he'll do better against Rendell than anyone else would. That said, he has a decent chance of winning, better than Scranton or whatever his name is.
Of course, this is my view watching from next door in Ohio.
Western PA is full of a bunch of "old school" Dems, especially when you get out of the city. These are the ones that are looking around in horror at the moonbat freaks who are taking over their party. They are hardworking Eastern European stock- Poles, Czechs, etc. I expect some of them to jump ship as well. They are the ones who are as equally fed up with our state's corruption as we are, and are going to send Fast Eddie packing. I have lots of maternal relatives in this faction.
The Superbowl is a full nine months before the election. Any momentary boost won't translate into actual votes.
Are you a Pennsylvanian?
As I recall, Swann was never shy about catching passes in heavy traffic. Character and courage can overcome a lot.
I'm reminded of a certain B-movie actor back in 1966 going up against the sitting governor, Pat Brown, the 800 pound gorilla of California politics who knew every dirty trick in the book.
Blackwell, Ohio; Swann, Pennsylvania; Steele, Maryland
Et tu, Marcus?
As I recall, he had the election in the bag until the dead rose from their graves by the thousands in New Orleans.
In 1986, MI refused to support a black Republican nominated for governor. A lot of those northern states are good at lecturing the South on its racial problems, but they draw the line on black candidates for major office, particularly within the GOP.
No, Jindal would have lost even if the New Orleans dead had stayed entombed. Jindal lost critical votes from conservaties in North LA, some of whom thought he was "too young" for the governorship.
Does Mary Carey count????
probably not
I'm talking about Delaware county, where the Republicans have kept control for years by playing the race card, i.e. pointing to the problems of Philly and implying that the Democrats will let "those people" take over if elected, but the Republicans will keep "them" out, and everyone knew what they meant. I don't see that garnering Swann a lot of votes. Bucks county is totally different, a lot wealthier and better educated than most of the state.
I always heard Alabama where I grew up, guess it changes from one part of the state to the next, but I agree I think Kentucky would be more accurate.
Bill Richardson pitched seven no-hitters for the A's.
I agree, it's sad that it still matters in this day and age, but the people I'm speaking of joined the R party because they view it as the "white" party & the D party the "minorities" party, but that's also the image the R party has cultivated to stay in power.
Up to ten. Then it gets difficult.
LOL
I'm personally amazed that she can get past 1 and 2.....
Well, "those" people can just cross the state border into West Virginia if they still want to vote for "Sheets."
"No, Jindal would have lost even if the New Orleans dead had stayed entombed. Jindal lost critical votes from conservaties in North LA, some of whom thought he was "too young" for the governorship."
Others thought he was "too brown"... but not next time, I'd bet. Jindal in 2007!
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