Scranton fires campaign chief over 'white guy' remark

[danwxman]

Scranton fires campaign chief over 'white guy' remark
By Sharon Smith
Of The Patriot-News
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Scranton fired his campaign manager last night after Jim Seif called Scranton’s political rival, Lynn Swann, “the rich white guy in this campaign.” Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steeler, is African-American and if elected would be the first black Republican governor. Seif made the remark during a call-in program last night on PCN, which featured him and Swann’s campaign manager. Ray Zaborney. Zaborney responded to Seif’s comment by saying, “That’s one of the most ridiculous and insulting things I’ve ever heard in politics.”

When a caller challenged Seif about his comment, Seif said that if “Mr. Swann finds that objectionable, I will apologize.”

It’s unclear whether he did. Efforts to reach Seif this morning were unsuccessful. Swann and Scranton, who are both running for governor, are currently locked in a battle for the Republican State Committee’s endorsement. Swann has already picked up two non-binding endorsements from two of the party's six regional caucuses and appears to be the front-runner for the GOP’s Feb. 11 endorsement.

Scranton, who trails Swann in the polls, recently called for the committee to refrain from making an endorsement.

Scranton attempted to reach Swann last night to apologize. In a statement, Scranton expressed regret for what Seif said. “I want to apologize to Lynn Swann, his family, supporters and PCN viewers for the offensive and disturbing comments made on my behalf.” Scranton in a statement said that Seif’s remarks, “in no way whatsoever reflect my views or those of my campaign.”

Mike DeVanney, Scranton’s deputy campaign manger, will take over Seif’s duties until a replacement is named.

[TheresNoMoney]

Scranton probably was probably looking for an excuse to fire him before this anyway. Every poll shows him losing to Swann in the primary.

[King]

Scranton and his supporters are weirdos anyway.

Lynn Swann better hope the Steelers win the SuperBowl so he can take advantage of a "Steelers-rule, I was a Steeler" bounce.  Isn't he leading Rendell in the polls now anyway?

[MissCatholic]

Scranton and his supporters are weirdos anyway.

the same people that support santorum?

[minionofmidas]

Funny line.

[Kevin]

For some reason I have aways associted former LT. Govenor Scranton with the now dying-breed Rockfellar Republicans.

[Keystone Phil]

For some reason I have aways associted former LT. Govenor Scranton with the now dying-breed Rockfellar Republicans.

He and his father are those type of Republicans.

The Scranton campaign is sinking fast and it's too much fun to watch.

[Kevin]

  I think with Scarnton in freefall in the polls and with Swann pulling ahead the general election is going to be close.