LYNN SWANN, NEXT PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR ?

A very interesting race is developing in the state of Pennsylvania. Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Lynn Swann is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor. Swann has one serious GOP opponent left in the race, former Lt Governor Bill Scranton who trails Swann in straw polls taken by the state Republican Committee. Swan is expected to pick up the endorsement of the state GOP this Saturday. Pennsylvania currently has a liberal Democrat in office and a head to head race against Swann could create a number of obstacles for his re-election. First Swann is well liked and respected as a business man in the state an of course one of the most famous Steelers to ever play in Pittsburgh. With the Steelers winning the Super Bowl he could ride that victory into the Governorship. Another possible problem that Swann presents to the Democrats is the fact that he is African-American and Republican. This could turn a traditionally Democratic voting block toward the GOP hampering the current Governors chances. The majority of the state votes Republican but the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh which have large populations are more Democrat and has in the past given the state a blue tint in some elections. This is another possible obstacle for the current Governor as Swann is very popular in both major metropolis'. As 2006 approaches November and election Tuesday this race will garner prominent coverage because of Swann and will be worth watching throughout the year.

Ken Taylor