Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, told the Philadelphia Daily News last week through a spokeswoman that he may run for governor of Pennsylvania as a Republican in 2006 against incumbent Democrat Ed Rendell. "While a decision is not imminent," the spokeswoman said, "he is discussing the issue with family, friends and political leaders."
Republican state assembly leader Sam Smith told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "He told me he was exploring the idea." Smith added: "I don't know where he stands on all the political issues, but if he pursues this I will look forward to sitting down with him. I think it would be an exciting prospect." Swann, who is chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, appeared at the Republican National Convention this year and gave a brief non-issue-oriented presentation.
