A Swann Takes Flight

And since the Steelers are doing so well, it's worth noting that a former Steeler is ringing up some victories of his own...

Bucks County Republicans are backing Lynn Swann for governor, further evidence that he is all but certain to get the state party's endorsement next week.

The Swann campaign yesterday released a letter from Bucks County GOP chairman Harry Fawkes saying he expects a "near-unanimous vote" for Swann from the county's delegation to the Republican State Committee meeting Feb. 11.

The move is the latest blow in a tumultuous stretch for Swann's rival, former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton: Within 10 days, Scranton also lost the endorsement of Montgomery County's GOP chairman, fired his campaign manager over a racial remark, and failed to persuade the state committee to hold an open primary, with no party endorsement.

Next week, the committee will endorse a candidate to face Gov. Rendell in the fall.

"We feel confident where we are now in the process, but we're going to continue to seek votes up until the 11th," Swann spokeswoman Melissa Walters said.

Swann was as graceful on the field as a player could be, and his opponent thus far in the GOP primary has been anything but. Here's hoping the GOP in my former home state does the right thing, and Ed Rendell gets some real competition this fall.