Republicans Choosing Conservative Christian Swann Over Heathen Abortion Boy Scranton

Where's Swann's beef? - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Where's Swann's beef?

Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Star power and hokily throwing a real hat into the political ring will carry Lynn Swann only so far.
Sooner or later, Mr. Swann, now formally seeking the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania governor, will have to ditch the broad brush and paint some fine details on his proposed policies. Thus far we've seen lots of platitudes; where's the beef?

It was with slobbering national media attention that the Pittsburgh Steelers' Hall of Fame wide receiver announced his candidacy last week. In short order he handily secured the endorsement of the GOP's Central Caucus in Harrisburg. Favorite son Jeff Piccola quit beforehand to avoid chagrin.

The full Republican State Committee holds its endorsement vote on Feb. 11. Former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton appears to have the solid support of at least two other regional caucuses. Next month's vote should be close. But Mr. Scranton says he'll stay in the race without the full committee's endorsement. Jim Panyard, former president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, isn't seeking the endorsement; he's in for the long haul.

Should Swann not win the state committee nod, it will be interesting to see if he stays in the race; his campaign says a contested primary would be a bad thing given the deep coffers of incumbent Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell.

So, Swann is running. Whether real ideas run with him remains to be seen."