News

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann had his political coming-out party, so to speak, in North Huntingdon Township on Thursday, giving his first speech as a potential Republican candidate for governor in 2006.

"If I decide to run I will be committed to it. I will not enter the race just for the experience. ... I will enter to win," Swann told an adoring crowd of more than 300 people who attended the Westmoreland County District 3 Republican Committee's Lincoln Day dinner.

Swann, 52, filed paperwork with the state elections bureau in Harrisburg Wednesday, establishing a campaign committee. Swann's committee is named Team 88, a reference to the number he wore during his career with the Steelers.

Before his speech, Swann told reporters, "If I decide to run, I'll run."

Swann explained that he intends to tour the state over the next several weeks to "converse with the people of Pennsylvania." He describes his views as conservative and said he is pro-life.

"I do think we need a new vision in Pennsylvania," he said.

He has a scheduled stop Saturday at a Republican dinner in Mercer County, and stops planned throughout the Pittsburgh area, as well as in Blair, Lancaster and Montgomery counties in coming weeks.

"I plan on introducing myself to various communities and listening to the people. I don't have any time frame (to make a decision)," he said.

If Swann decides to run he could face two other well-known Republicans in a primary battle for the right to oppose incumbent Democrat Ed Rendell. State Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, of Harrisburg, and former Lt. Gov. William Scranton III are other potential candidates.

At the start of his speech last night, Swann told the crowd that they would be disappointed if they anticipated any major announcement about his candidacy. But he had to pause for applause after he told the crowd he was considering a run for governor.

Swann said that he's always been interested in politics, but that interest grew last fall when he campaigned at President Bush's side throughout western Pennsylvania.

"That was one of the bright spots of my life, but I never thought it would get to this point," he said.

"When I tell people I live in Pittsburgh a lot of people respond, 'Why?' People should not be asking why we live in Pennsylvania, we should be asking them, 'Why don't you?,'" Swann said.

At least two people in the crowd said they like Swann's chances should he face off against Rendell. Jeff and Ann Schmucker, of Stahlstown, drove half an hour through a snowstorm to listen to Swann's speech.

"We think it's wonderful he's considering running," said Ann Schmucker, who said that, like Swann, they've decided to become more involved in politics.

"I can't wait to hear his position on the issues," added Jeff Schmucker.

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, the Republican congressman from Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County, said he believes Swann's name recognition as a hall of famer would benefit him.

"I think he's got a great chance. But I also think Sen. Piccola and former Lt. Gov. Scranton also have great public experience," Murphy said.

Joel Reiter, District 3 chairman, said Swann's popularity in the area increased ticket sales at least 50 percent over last year's event.

"They sure didn't come out in this weather to hear me speak," he said.

However, having a hall of fame career in sports does not automatically guarantee victory in politics -- especially in Westmoreland County. In 1987, former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski, of Hempfield Township, lost in his bid to become a Westmoreland County commissioner in the Democratic primary election.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News