Former Steeler Swann's political bliss may soon pass

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ^ | 2/4/2006 | AP

[serendepitylives]

Former Steeler Swann's political bliss may soon pass

Saturday, February 4, 2006

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - If 2006 ends for Lynn Swann as well as it started, he's sure to be Pennsylvania's next chief executive and Gov. Rendell will go down in political history as One-term Ed.

In January, Swann swiftly amassed more than enough unofficial support in regional caucuses of the Republican State Committee to clinch the committee's endorsement for the GOP gubernatorial nomination next Saturday.

The former Pittsburgh Steeler reached that mark just as his old team was heading for another Super Bowl game and Steeler-mania was sweeping the state. Even Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones — star of the Super Bowl's halftime show — complimented Swann before a horde of reporters in Detroit as he admiringly recalled the wide receiver's graceful athletic style.

But Swann's bliss could be short-lived.

[Richard Kimball]

This is a fear that runs deep into the heart of both the Democrats and country club Republicans. Democrats have used blacks for three purposes: first, as a loss leader for every other group (feminists, homosexuals), second, because there have functionally been NO black Republicans, as an illicit vote manufacturing plant in inner cities (Philadelphia had over 100% turnout in the last election), and finally, as a method to prove Republicans are racist. The emergence of the conservative black politician will dynamically change the political landscape. Country club Republicans also fear the emergence of the black conservative, because they are much more attuned to mainstream conservatism. One thing we should never forget. The citizens loved Ronald Reagan, the Republican establishment never did. Conservative black politicians can turn a lot of blue states red. I don't live in Pennsylvania, but I sure would like to be able to vote for Swann.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

Well, I don't know if there is anything they could say to hurt him in the Pittsburgh area. Philly, well that is just the Phantom Democratic votes...

Scranton had to fire his top campaign aide when he called Lynn Swann 'the rich white guy' in the governor's race. Scranton and his campaign, and the silent Democrats in PA just looked bad at that swipe against Swann.

[HarleyLady27]

"Fast Eddy" trying to pull another rabbit out of his hat?????

[smoothsailing]

Will do! Thanks for the heads up! :-)

(BTW,I pick up the Trib on Sunday morning at my local BP)

GO SWANNIE

GO "STILLERS"

[infidel29]

Although I'm sure you already know this, but...

I wanted to give you a quick update on the momentum Lynn Swann has right now. In a Rasmussen poll released today, Lynn Swann is leading Ed Rendell 45% to 43%, while the other Republican candidate trails the governor by 10 points. FROM SWANN WEB SITE

What about the four years of bliss Rendell is about to witness ending?

[smoothsailing]

Rendell and Knoll can spend their blissful retirement handing out their business cards at the funerals of fallen soldiers.

Actually,no they can't,at least not within 50 miles of my hometown.

[infidel29]

I saw a sign up the street from my house the other day announcing that Rendell was to appear in town. If he showed, I didn't notice.

I've even got my Democrat fiancee ready to vote for Swann. If I could only keep her from voting for Kerry....

[smoothsailing]

If I could only keep her from voting for Kerry..

Just tell her the polls have closed. :)

[Shethink13]

That's a factor that cannot be ignored. While Swann and Scranton have displayed an ability to raise money, with each pulling in more than $1.5 million last year, Rendell raised nearly six times that much. He ended the year with more than $12 million on hand.

Wonder what percentage of that $12 million is Union money?

[serendepitylives]

Principle trumps color

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/columnists/zito/s_420327.html

[socialismisinsidious]

"By offering them, as well as everyone else, the opportunity to improve themselves.

It isn't complicated for candidates, if they stay within the framework of the Republican Party's core principles: Entitlement leaves you empty; personal responsibility inspires growth and opportunity. Those principles always will trump color.

Indeed, if the GOP is true to its core, it is in a groovy position to render color less and less an issue. Democrats will not, cannot, do that because their race-based politics drives wedges between blacks and whites."



Most excellent! Love those lines.

Thanks for the ping. I still have to pick my paper up off the drive..... with all the excitement today I'm not sure when I will be able to sit and read it.

Go Steelers!

[serendepitylives]

THANKS