Former Pittsburgh Steeler receiver and Hall of Famer Lynn Swann has decided to enter politics, and as typical of Swann, he isn't aiming low. Swann announced the formation of a campaign committee for the Pennsylvania governorship in 2006, hoping to unseat incumbent Democrat Ed Rendell:

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!

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» Now Entering The Arena from Ed Driscoll.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers' hall of fame wide receiver Lynn Swann is entering a new competition: running for governor of Pennsylvania. He's certainly got a huge leg-up on name recognition, but I'm not sure how well he'll sell to Iggles fans.... [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 6:17 PM

» Aiming High from Young Pundit
Lynn Swann to run for Governor of Pennsylvania. [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 6:38 PM

» Lynn Swann for Governor from Balance Sheet
Captain Ed is always there with the good news. I will always be an Eagles fan but I pulled for the Steelers too, particularly players like Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Now Lynn Swann, one of the classiest people in... [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 7:09 PM

» Swann for Pennsylvania Governor in 2006 from Jemorys.Net
Former Pittsburg Steeler Lynn Swann has announced plans to run for governor of Pennsylvania. Check out Captain Ed's post and picture with Lynn Swann from the Republican National Convention. [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 7:40 PM

» Lynn Swann Goes on Offense Against Ed Rendell in from Alamo Nation
Via Captain's Quarters. Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, who Pennsylvania fans remember from his days as a Steeler when I was a wee lad, is forming a campaign committee to look at unseating leftist Pennsylvania goveror Ed Rendell. Swann's GOP and ... [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 9:22 PM

» Former Trojan Lynn Swann Running Toward New Goal: from FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog
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. [Read More]

Tracked on February 24, 2005 10:33 PM

» Lynn Swann May Run For Pennsylvania Governor from Scribe
Can Lynn Swann, the former All-pro superstar wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, parlay his fame into the Pennsylvania governor's office?  It looks as if we may find out.  According to the Associated Press he has "has formed a cam... [Read More]

Tracked on February 25, 2005 12:11 AM

» Lynn Swann for Governor from Sedente Animo
Captain's Quarters is reporting that Lynn Swann, wide receiver on the great Pittsburgh Steelers teams of the 1970's, is forming a campaign committee to run in 2006 for governor in Pennsyltucky, as a Republican. It's an interesting development on several [Read More]

Tracked on February 25, 2005 8:48 AM

» Ed Rendell (D-NY) requests new pair of underwear from Another Rovian Conspiracy
[...] Does Rendell even have a chance against Swann? No. Probably best if he shoots for senator, but I have a feeling that his street-brawling style of politics won't go over well when compared to Santorum. Although, Santorum probably does have an u... [Read More]

Tracked on February 25, 2005 10:04 AM

» Future Pennsylvania Governor? from Macker's World

Now this is an interesting development, indeed! Looks like Lynn Swann, former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s and current sports commentator, is planning on running for Governor of Pennsylvania...as a Republican! While thi...

Tracked on February 25, 2005 9:08 PM

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Tracked on March 29, 2006 2:02 AM