This is a big deal

Ain't gonna happen


Lynn Swann Says He'll Run for Pa. Governor

By PETER JACKSON, Associated Press Writer 9 minutes ago

PITTSBURGH - Former Steelers star Lynn Swann declared his candidacy for Pennsylvania governor Wednesday in the city where he made his name in professional football.

He told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday afternoon that he made up his mind to run in the fall, after spending months weighing support at events around the state.

Swann, a Hall of Fame receiver and longtime TV football commentator, faces three other candidates in seeking the Republican nomination for governor — his first run for political office. The winner of the May 16 primary would likely face Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, who is expected to seek a second four-year term.

If successful in his first bid for political office, Swann would become Pennsylvania's first black governor. His announcement was no surprise: His political committee has been raising money for his campaign for nearly a year.

Swann, 53, planned to kick off his campaign with a Wednesday night rally in Pittsburgh, followed by appearances in five other cities Thursday and Friday.
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Swann has so far revealed little about his political philosophy or the initiatives he would pursue as governor. He has advocated reducing certain business taxes and said he opposes abortion rights.

In independent polling, former Lt. Gov. William Scranton III and Swann are running ahead of the other two GOP candidates, but behind Rendell.

Swann said Wednesday that he hopes to convince blacks that he is a better candidate than Rendell, the former Philadelphia mayor. The Democratic Party has "taken the African American vote for granted," Swann said.

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He has better odds of convincing fundies that Halloween isn't about the devil.

Why should black Pennsylvanians support a man with no government experience, in a state where the the GOP actively tried to force the city of Philadephia to remove African American history from their curriculum?

Because he caught Terry Bradshaw's passes?

Exactly why is Swann a Republican and why does he think being a Republican can help the black community?

Exactly how has the Democratic Party taken the black community for granted? As a multimillionaire broadcaster, he should be required to explain how this occured and how he would make it different.

Also, he should be asked questions of character, such as would he attend a function at an all-white country club? Does he think Bill Bennett's comments were racist, and does he believe that slavery was good for black people. Because these are things that African American Republicans have either said or endorsed in 2005. Does he stand differently on these character issues? Or does he support them.

Because, from where I sit, the GOP is big on talking up black candidates, but weak on supporting them. Given the racism endemic in the state, my feeling is that Swann will get a lot of talk, but the support will slip away, as they back the "more experienced" candidate.

These people love to hide behind personal attacks, so while showing contempt is useful for the overtly craven, for Swann, it's time to call him out and ask him hard questions. A black face does not earn you votes alone. And you want black Pennsylvanians to support Bush and his agenda, there needs to be a clear explaination.

posted by Steve @ 12:57:00 AM