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
Sad to say, Terry Bradshaw is a democrat. Other than that, he's a mostly OK guy.
Didn't know he was a Pubbie. Would that be sweet with him the first black governor of PA?
Get a rope!
*African-American GOPer ping*
Wouldn't it be nice to have not one, not two, but three GOP Governor wins, with Swann in PA, Blackwell in OH & perhaps Charles Barkley knocking off Bob Riley in the AL primary (assuming Barkley hasn't moved too left -- Dennis Miller said last night he wanted to be his speechwriter)...
LOL.
Terry is not stupid, he's just resorts to silliness.
This good man never gets old!
Yeah but Howie Long is a closet conservative.
Now aren't you sorry you left PA?
Charles Barkley I am not so sure he is a Republican.
And he looks more handsome than ever, too!
"Jim Kelly as possible NY Senator"
Kelly is seriously thinking of running for the Senate seat that encompasses the Buffalo area.
"He's planning on running for the seat that covers the Buffalo area."
I made it clear he's running for Congress up-thread.
I assume that Lynn Swann is more conservative than Scranton. But Piccola is a conservative as well, right?
Yes he does. He has gotten older very beautifully.
"He would carry the black inner city democratic majorities in Philly and Pittsburgh easily!"
Umm, unfortunately, no he wouldn't. But if he could get 30% of the black vote in Pittsburgh and 20% of the black vote in Philly it might be enough to beat Rendell.
True, he probably would be lucky to get Pburgh 30% and Philly 20%. As classy a guy that he is, as active in the community, Franco Harris is his Dim counterpart. Also still active in the community, maybe a little less classy, but still very cool, Franco is every bit the equalizer. Franco wouldn't necessarily run, but the union, working-class highly dem middle & mid-lower economic classes would surely, regardless of race, go more Dem and be more likely to listen to Franco who has been active in Pburgh Dim politics. Good news? Jerome Bettis is having one of his best seasons ever (visibility) and is reputed (searching for link) to be a Bush supporter and Republican. He would surely be brought out to help another Steeler republican. And I think it would.
People are getting discouraged by the Dimwitted Gov Rendell around these parts as well. His campaign pledge of "The first thing we'll do is reform the property taxes in PA" has gone by the wayside. Now the tax relief is going to be smaller than promised if it comes at all. This doesn't even take into account the dork of a mayor Pittsburgh has been saddled with for lo these many years. Hopefully the Demonrats are losing their hold on my city and state.
Besides the fact that along with Walter Payton, Lynn Swann happens to be my favorite football player of all time, he's a republican, and a fresh political face on the scene. I'd vote for him as often as possible;)
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