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
Swann has always been a class act. Good luck to him in his political future. You know Rendell is a bit nervous now.
Rendell lowered property taxes??? That is an absolute joke, you should see the letter we received and how many hoops you have to jump thru to get 5 cents back.
Swann is a good man, he would give Fast Eddie a run for his money.
Lynn Swann as possible PA Governor, and Jim Kelly as possible NY Senator, both Republicans. Thats pretty cool.
Swannie has been doing it the right way. You can tell he's been planning this for some time, slowly raising his profile, slowly inching into politics, not stepping on the toes of party members. This is the perfect time for him to run because (a) he can win and (b) probably no one else could.
You bet. I remember years ago, when I was about fourteen years old, I walked up to him in the Pittsburgh Airport, he was still playing with the Steelers. Asked him for his autograph and he gladly obliged. I told him I really wasn't a Steeler fan but I wanted his autograph and he chuckled.
Is it just me?
Isn't it? I haven't seen a dime yet. Probably never will. They raised the income tax and promised to offset it. Well, the gaming money hasn't generated the first dime yet and they are still spending it like water.
Rendell must go and all incumbents need to go with him, GOP or Democrat.
lol!
ping
Anyone who can disabuse HRC of the deluded notion that she has a chance in hell of becoming the next president of the United States...
He won't be running against Hillary. He's planning on running for the seat that covers the Buffalo area.
Darrell Green should run for Mayor of DC sometime. Not sure of his politics but I'd suspect they might be Republican.
Believe so.
He's also campaigned for several GOP-sponsored initiatives and candidates, to the best of my recollection.
Yeah, lets hope he can endure being called stupid and an Uncle Tom. Matter of fact I hope the Democrats do call him stupid and Uncle Tom, it will backfire on them.
Oh yeah, prayin' the libs will continue in their stupidity!
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