"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.