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
Former Steeler ping!
Well, I'm north of Pburgh, and, especially during the campaigning, the stations we get had Franco all over campaigning for the Dems. Of course, they were quite pro-Dem. I knew that Swann was out there, too, and outspoken, but not to that extent. I'm glad. We do visit the 'Burg from time to time, I have relatives there, and there are also great other reasons to visit, and I've gotten a sense of the Dem strength, but not Republican strength. Maybe, sadly, with the job and tax situation now, the hardcore dem folks will begin to see how the dem machine failed them. My sister is not really political, but was for Gore in 00. I guess I don't personally know many Burgites who aren't rabidly pro-union dems. Except on this forum. ;-)
Personally I hate him, I think of him as a traitor still for holding out for more money then going to Seattle to do his running out of bounds.
My sister had the biggest crush on Franco back in the day. I had forgotten about his abandonment of the burg.
People are getting discouraged by the Dimwitted Gov Rendell around these parts as well.
This is good news! Here in NW PA, I tried to remind everyone who hated when Rendell bankrupt Philly why they shouldn't waste their vote on him, and now when they complain, well, it falls on deaf ears. He has ravaged our state vis a vis taxes, education, jobs, oh so many ways. If it were up to him, we would go the way of Mass state. Which is why I, although I really liked Toomey, I had to vote for Specter to keep Hoeffel out. People loved Hoeffel up here. Ugh.
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;)
Oh, there are few men anywhere like Sweetness. He is sorely missed. Lynn Swann is a lot like Walter. My mother and I were big fans of Walter. Curiously, he died shortly after my mother passed away, and from the same disease. I like to think they met afterall.
Yeah, baby.
ping
Yes. I understand he's happily married (too bad for the ladies) with 2 young sons. He's a regular at some spots in the burg near where some of my relatives and my regional supervisor live. He's frequently spotted and is always gracious to fans and autograph seekers, I'm told - I'd love to run into him, so far no such luck.
I am indeed, no wait, PA doesn't have Tex-Mex food -
Terry was always a smart player on the field.
If I recall my trivia correctly, he was the last NFL QB to call all his own plays instead of having 'em called by the coach on the sidelines.
But off the field, he's always been dumb as a rock.
BTW, I like Swannie, but I'd rather see Rendell get blindsided by Mean Joe or Lambert.
ROFL!
There goes the coffee! Where's Ernie Holmes? Put Rendell up in a helicopter.
;-)
Will Swann be described by the left in the manner as Dr. Condi Rice & Clarence Thomas?
Probably not ........... but he'll probably be known as "a far right wideout".
;-)
I have never heard a Jim Kelly story but if its true it will have a negative impact on a political run.
Trust me, it is a true story. I saw and heard the incidents myself.
LOL! If I didn't have such a law-abiding respect for helicopters, that would be an alternative worth considering.
How about we just let Ernie join Mean Joe and Lambert on the rush?
Maybe have Dwight White, LC Greenwood, Jack Ham and Andy Russel help out as well?
And if Rendell is still twitching after they pound him into the turf,
Mel Blount can run in and give him one final stomp?
He'll get my vote. He is a much better person than fast eddie and knows a lot more about football.
Where in PA? There's a new Tex-Mex place called "Snake River Grille" I hear they're very good, just got a plug live on local repub radio show here in Pittsburgh.
I'm registered as an Independant, so I couldn't vote for Pat Toomey in the primary, I voted for Jim Clymer, figuring enough libs would vote for Specter to keep Hoeffel out.
He has ravaged our state vis a vis taxes, education, jobs, oh so many ways.
I'm still waiting for that property tax relief he promised as the first thing he was going to do when he got in office.
Sorry for the loss of your Mother, and it is a nice thought to think she did get to meet Sweetness in the afterlife with our Lord. Merry Christmas if we don't chat again before the Holiday:)
you are the man.
I am wasted .......... we had a few girls come over here today at 10:00 a.m. to play badminton in the good (50 degree weather).
They were Hooter girls ( from the bar).. We suggested to them that we thought that the airline just might go "Bust", but they didn't get it.
Yoi..... Double Yoi!
I liked Toomey, and was disappointed when he lost. Not surprised really though. I liked Clymer, and he had a surprising amount of support in our area, but I didn't want to risk losing after Toomey lost, since I thought Toomey had a better chance of the 2. I was surprised to see Clymer signs by some of the public schools in our area, after all, Rendell has long held the teachers unions in his pocket. Some dissension in the ranks, perhaps?
Sorry for the loss of your Mother, and it is a nice thought to think she did get to meet Sweetness in the afterlife with our Lord. Merry Christmas if we don't chat again before the Holiday:)
Thank you. We find talking about it, especially since it has been a few years, is helpful. She just loved him, makes me smile to think about. ;-)
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Did Swann get over the headache Cliff "Crash" Harris gave him in Super Bowl 10?
We lived in Upper Bucks County - near the Lehigh County line - but we are in Houston now.......thanks though
What the hell is the point of this? Do they ask all Republicans this question or just the black ones?
Great point. It is an insult to both blacks and Republicans.
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