I don't think Swann is going to beat Rendell politically. Sometimes honesty trumps polish. I hope the people of PA are not expecting Swann to be all things to all people like Rendell portrays himself. I also don't think believing in your candidate, and being willing to do anything to get him elected, disqualifies one from campaigning for them.
It would have been helpful to include some more examples of misteps as other posters have pointed out.
Thanx for the heads up on the campaign. I will look for your other editorials NorthEasterner.
doing a story for the weekly standard will have all of that in that story