Swann faces fund-raising star
...Swann, 53, of Sewickley Heights, shouldn't have trouble raising money now that he has clear coasting to the nomination, said Jerry Shuster, a political communications professor at the University of Pittsburgh. "Frankly, the Republicans smell victory, and that's what will bring out the money," Shuster said...
But Allegheny County Republican Chairman Bob Glancy, who was a strong Scranton backer, said he believes his party will unite behind Swann. When Scranton called Glancy on Tuesday to ask his opinion about staying in the race, Glancy said he advised Scranton "his best course was probably to drop out" considering Swann's obvious momentum.
"I don't think there is any doubt that Lynn Swann can raise the money. I think he will be a very good candidate," Glancy said. "I think the message that the Republican Party is delivering to defeat Ed Rendell is quite clear."
Glancy's comments were echoed by state Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, a Scranton supporter who had hoped to be Scranton's running mate.
"In the end we'll have to retire Rendell, and we'll unite behind Lynn Swann to get that done," Turzai said...
But okay, I'll take your word for it that Rendell doesn't have a serious opponent... because you're in the Pennsylvania trenches! :-D
Not storming off babe.
I really do have work to do.
And to go through a polly sci lesson on how it all works, I just don't have time.
You list nice words from nice players. All of whom one would think are plugged in.
Some are. Some are definitely not. I know most of them personally.
These folks need to say what needs to be said to keep the game alive.
But looky here. After this election is done, and Eddie is back in office and starting his search committee for '08 (very possible) on around '08, you will see minor news stories about Scranton's campaign war chest, and how it is mysteriously growing. Money will "appear" and by the time the primary for 2010 pops up, Scanton, or some other annointed son, will have a war chest of about 8 to 10 mil and growing.
BTW, Swann has how much?
What did Tommy Ridge have at this stage of the game, and who were his backers?
This state is not about politics. Its about businesses and money. It has always been.
Predictions:
Eddie will win, and start looking into "presidential possibilities" (If dame Hillary's numbers don't improve, Eddie will be the Clinton's go to guy, remember he was head of the DNC and raise stupendous amounts of money)
Scranton will magically start piling up money.
1,000 repubs will vie for the primary.
Johnny Street Fighter will run in the Dem primary.
Voter demographics? That's an hour. Thumbnail. It concerns voter turn out and what percent are seniors and how scared they are of their fixed income and how they won't trust a novice and how Eddie didn't screw em too bad so they will go with the sin they know v.s. the sin they don't.
All the guys who "know" Swann cause he played football? They will be standing in the sports bar, watching the returns, while mom and dad vote.