Posted on 12/09/2004 4:12:07 AM PST by Prov1322
Gov. Swann? Lynn might make a run Ex-Steeler seeking backing now
By CHRIS BRENNAN brennac@phillynews.com
TAKE Pennsylvania politics, mix in pro football and that can only add up to Gov. Rendell. Right?
Think again.
Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver who got a taste of politics as part of President Bush's re-election campaign this year, yesterday confirmed that he is thinking about running for governor in 2006.
"While a decision is not imminent, he is discussing the issue with family, friends and political leaders," a spokeswoman for Swann said, reading from an e-mail he sent her in response to questions from the Daily News.
That could pit Swann against Rendell, who does a Philadelphia Eagles post-game television show for Comcast SportsNet.
It might also set up a Republican primary battle between Swann, former lieutenant governor Bill Scranton III and state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola.
Bob Asher, a GOP National Committeeman from Montgomery County, said Swann called him Tuesday seeking support.
Swann will make his pitch to Republican leaders this weekend in New York City during the annual Pennsylvania Society event.
"I think if Lynn Swann stays in it, you'll see an interesting year as everybody moves around and builds support," said Asher, who has not decided on a candidate to back in 2006. "I think right now it's wide open."
Piccola yesterday said Swann called him Tuesday to say he was interested in making a run for governor. He praised that courtesy, calling Swann "a class guy."
Piccola, who will also be drumming up support at Pennsylvania Society, said he is "97 percent" sure he will run for governor.
"I'm way down the road," Piccola said. "I'm gearing up."
Scranton did not return phone calls yesterday.
Swann has also been making calls for support from Republican leaders in the General Assembly.
Rendell seems well-positioned to win re-election in 2006 after navigating through a Republican-controlled Legislature a package of campaign promises that includes legalizing slot machines to increase education spending and lower property taxes.
Democrats and Republicans have taken turns since 1971 controlling the governor's office for eight years.
Speaker of the House John Perzel yesterday said Swann could be a strong candidate in western Pennsylvania but weighs that against the eight-year supremacy of sitting governors and Rendell's ability to raise cash.
"Somebody is going to have to have the wherewithal to raise the money to run against a guy who can raise $50 million," said Perzel. "It's going to take an exceptional individual or something drastic for that to change."
Swann was co-chairman of the African-American steering committee for the Bush-Cheney campaign this year. Bush appointed him in 2002 as chairman of the President's Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. And Swann spoke at the Republican National Convention on Sept. 2.
In an interview with Fox News later that night, Swann was asked why he is a Republican.
"They provide platforms, and they don't give people crutches to walk on," he said. "They give them tools to build. "
Swann, contacted this week at his home in Sewickley Heights, near Pittsburgh, referred calls to his company, Swann Inc.
Fans can visit his company's Web site to view his career football statistics, book him as a paid speaker or purchase a $200 autographed football.
Swann was a first-round draft pick for the Steelers in 1974 after playing in two Rose Bowls for the University of Southern California. He helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls, ending his career after the 1982 season.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Swann reports on college football games for ABC Sports.
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© 2004 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com
Now if we can only take the NJ Governor's mansion back and grab Corzine's seat, we can have a big ole tri-state party!
"What the hell did Arnold S. know about running California? You provide leadership, a program, and attract good people and the people will follow."
I didn't realize that California was doing so well?
I've always thought Lynn Swann was a smart guy! I hope he does well. The Dems think Rendell is a master fund raiser, but I think Lynn could beat him hands down!
Yes, Lynn is all class. The RATS' greatest fear - black conservatives in positions of power.
Rendell does the post-game show?
No, me too.
Rendell does the post-game show?
And people wonder why Philly sports fans are so used to being disappointed...! (yes, I'm a life-long Philly sports fan...but I've been doing so much better since fleeing the city 30+ years ago!)
While at USC, Swann played on two Rose Bowl teams, including the 1972 National Championship team. In 1973, his senior year, Swann was not only Team Captain, MVP, and selected as an All-American, he was also drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The #1 draft pick of the Steelers and 21st overall pick in 1974, Lynn returned 41 punts his first year for a near-record 577 yards, a 14.1-yard average and a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship! His gazelle-like speed, fluid movements and leaping ability soon won him the wide-receiver position for the 1975 season, during which he recorded 49 catches for 781 yards, a league-high 11 touchdowns, finishing with a 64-yard catch and run that produced the winning touchdown over the Dallas Cowboys in the 21-17 victory in Super-Bowl X! Swann held the Super-Bowl record that year, running 161 yards in 4 receptions.
Swann concluded his playing career after the 1982 season. His lifetime chart showed 336 receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns. His 364 receiving yards in only 4 games ranked first in Super-Bowl history at the time of his retirement. He was named All-Pro in 1975, 1977, and 1978 and was voted to the Pro Bowl after each of those seasons.
While still with the Steelers, Swann began his broadcasting career in 1976. In 1983, upon his retirement, Swann joined the broadcasters at ABC Sports full-time. He continues his work with ABC Sports and looks forward to many more seasons of sports commentary.
Pittsburgh has been home to Swann and his family since he joined the Steelers in 1974. Today he remains as active off the field as he was on it. Recognized for his many achievements, Swann has received numerous honors for his work toward the continued growth and development of our nation’s young people. He has served on many boards of directors including the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, on which he has served since 1980. He served as their President from 1993-1995 and continues as their National Spokesperson today.
On August 4, 2001 Lynn Swann, Pittsburgh Steeler #88, was enshrined into the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Among his many supporters, friends and fans are his wife and their two boys.
In June 2002, Lynn was selected by President Bush to be the Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Lynn has begun traveling the country and encouraging communities to take the President's challenge.
50% of the proceeds from the website-sales of Swann’s Hall of Fame Memorabilia will go to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
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Don't get any bright ideas, Terry. < |:)~
bright and Terry in the same sentence???
At one point, he took questions from the crowd - he seemed really comfortable up there in front of the microphone, and really connected with the people. He was sitting next to Arnold Palmer, and after the speech, Bush shook all of our hands, and Palmer took off, but Lynn stood up there with the rest of us, talking and signing autographs. Top of the line guy.
I used to know Swannie back when he was a rookie with the Stillers. He (and I) used to go out with a girl or two from Chatham College in Shadyside. He used to date a girl from Bennedum Hall up on the top of the hill. He was quite well liked there to say the least, and he was always respectful, kind, and gracious.
Those were the good old days, before all the lesbians started to show up at Chatham.
Yoi, Double Yoi!
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