Ed Rendell is vulnerable to an African-American conservative. I know it, he knows it, and so should the vast majority of Pennsylvanians.
Who carried Ed to Harrisburg? African-Americans in Philly and Pittsburgh. Lynn Swann can split that vote with appeals to a socially conservative agenda that reflects the values of many African-Americans here.
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.