Posted on 02/11/2006 9:51:51 AM PST by LdSentinal
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's Republican Party leaders endorsed former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann for governor Saturday, virtually guaranteeing that he will be the candidate to face Democratic incumbent Ed Rendell this fall.
"I haven't cried this much since I was inducted into the Hall of Fame," Swann told the applauding crowd as he wiped tears from his eyes.
Swann, 53, was unopposed for the endorsement, which came in a unanimous voice vote during a meeting of the 300-plus-member Republican State Committee at a downtown hotel.
Swann 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."
He didn't shed any new light on his platform Saturday, but castigated Rendell as too willing to raise taxes to finance his initiatives.
Rendell, who is seeking a second term, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Swann now faces at least token opposition in the May 16 primary from retired business advocate Jim Panyard, who did not compete for the party endorsement.
A novice in politics, Swann remains a sports celebrity and his name is as inextricably linked to Pittsburgh — the state's second-largest city — as Rendell is tied to Philadelphia, where he once was mayor.
At the end of 2005, Rendell had more than $12 million in his war chest. Swann's campaign ended the year with about $1 million.
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 an ABC Sports commentator. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
He's got my vote.
Godspeed, my friend.
GO SWANNIE !!!!!! (which, being a Browns fan, I didn't say too much when he was playing for the Stillers)
ping
ping
Absolutely everything I've read (or seen on TV) about Lynn Swann indicates that he is a fantastic person and a total class act. Go Swann!!!
Maybe that's what we need more of in politics as opposed to a career politician like Fast Eddie. Watch for Rendell's camp to play the race card sometime during the campaign to win over the Reagan Democrats who just might go for Swann.
Do you have any background/info on his wife?
I have always admired him as a football player and as a man....a real class act....
Now if Swann can overcome the corruption and voter fraud in Philly....
The DUmmies are already deluding themselves with their liberal stereotypes saying that people in PA will not vote for Lynn Swann, because of the color of his skin.
You look at him for the first time - and its just like it was with John Roberts - you can't NOT LIKE the guy....plus, he's already a BIT better known in PA than John Roberts was when he was nominated to the Supremes :-)
...I think he will beat Rendell handily (52-55% range.......)
If Philadelphia is the city of "brotherly love" I would love to see a poll of african americans who would vote for "a brother" over a white democrat!
****Do you have any background/info on his wife?*****
The main thing we need to know about his wife is that she is a lovely straight female.
The DUmmies are already deluding themselves with their liberal stereotypes saying that people in PA will not vote for Lynn Swann, because of the color of his skin.... I come from redneck Venango/Forest/ Crawford county area, and (anecdotally)all my friends and relatives are totally for him. We are ALL sick of politicians and feel he would be a fresh air in the face type that could get rid of the critters in government.
The "T" votes GOP almost all the time. Philly votes 110% Democrat. The suburbs are generally liberal Republican types and rich liberals. They will vote Dem for almost any reason, though. A promise of tax cuts will do it. They will not be too enthused with Rendell. Pittsburgh votes Dem for no apparent reason. They are culturally as conservative as any medium-sized city. But the union mentality dies hard. Swann will break that.
The race card is the only way Rendell can win. He has to generate genuine hatred and fear of Swann among Philly and suburban Philly voters. Rendell is ruthless, he will go down swinging.
Bottom line: Swanny is a nice guy and Rendell is a smarmy but lovable rogue. As long as he gets enough TV time, Swann will win.
He didn't "lead" the Steelers to victory. If anyone did, it would be Bradshaw.
That said, he sounds committed to conservative principles. Lower axes, pro-life, smaller gov't. I just need to find out what his stand on the 2nd amendment is.
I meant what type of Doctor..nothing more than that..and BTW.. I concur with your descrition..
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