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.
