Thursday, February 24, 2005

Former Trojan Lynn Swann Running Toward New Goal: Penn Governor



Captain Ed over at Captain's Quarters has an excellent piece on former USC Football great Lynn Swann. It seems that the former Trojan and NFL Great with the Pittsburgh Steelers has a new challenge - the Pennsylvania Governorship. He would face incumbent Pennsylvania Democrat Governor Ed Rendell:

Captain Ed:


"Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Lynn Swann has formed a campaign committee to raise money for a potential run for governor in 2006.

Swann named his committee Team 88, the number he wore as a wide receiver for the Steelers from 1974 to 1982, when the team won four Super Bowls.

"I will spend time introducing myself to communities across the commonwealth," the NFL Hall of Famer said in a statement Wednesday. "We will also explore the potential political and financial support for my candidacy."

Swann hardly needs an introduction to Pennsylvanians. As a member of the Steelers dynasty, Swann helped Pittsburgh win an unprecedented four Super Bowl championships in six years, a feat only the current New England Patriots threaten to match. However, most Pennsylvanians may not realize that Swann has an interest in politics, nor of his Republican affiliation. While I don't live in Pennsylvania, I have been a huge fan of Swann and the Steelers since I was a small boy, and Swann surprised me when he showed up at the Republican National Convention. Swann was gracious enough to pose for two pictures with me, as I wanted to make sure I got at least one good one for posterity.

While I still have no clear idea of Swann's politics, his affiliation with the GOP has me very excited about his ability to connect with Pennsylvania voters. Right now Quinnipiac has him down 16 points to Rendell, who ekes out a bare 50% against a man who most people would consider a political cipher at this point. Swann has an opening in which to define himself to voters who will already be predisposed to liking him, and his entry may help attract black voters who want a change from decades of the handouts and hearing loss the Democrats give them.

Best of all, Hugh Hewitt will have to learn to love the Pittsburgh Steelers. A perfect world will truly have arrived!"

I remember Lynn from my days at USC. He was always gracious in victory and defeat. Lynn is rock-solid!

Let's all wish him the best.

Here is a photo of Lynn and Captain Ed at the GOP Convention last year:


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