The charismatic former football star has energized the Republican Party, but questions about his ability to serve as Pennsylvania's chief executive are starting to shadow him on the campaign trail.

A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University put him 12 points behind incumbent Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell in a head-to-head matchup.

Columnists and pundits are beginning to question Swann about his vague solutions to thorny issues like school property taxes.

"We do know he is against raising the minimum wage for working families, and he's for cutting taxes, but he doesn't tell anybody how he's going to pay for it," Rendell spokeswoman Tricia Enright said Tuesday.

"Other than that, what else do we know?"

The former Pittsburgh Steeler and Super Bowl MVP has wowed Republicans across the state and earned the state GOP's endorsement for governor.

His candidacy has prompted a media buzz, including a Sports Illustrated article Feb. 23 and appearances on national television talk shows.

Swann's run for governor is his first campaign for elected office. A victory would make him Pennsylvania's first black governor.

A spokeswoman for Swann said voters should not be put off by his lack of political experience.

"Twelve of the current governors (in the United States) were not elected to office prior to serving," Melissa Walters said. "(Swann) brings life experiences that will make him a great governor for the state of Pennsylvania."

Swann and Rendell are the only candidates running in their parties' May 17 primary. York attorney Marakay Rogers is the Green Party candidate.

February was a month of mixed performances for Swann.

His chief GOP rivals, William Scranton III and Jim Panyard, bowed out of the primary, saying they didn't have enough money and couldn't attract the same media attention Swann is garnering.

On Feb. 11, the state Republican Committee endorsed Swann, prompting the former gridiron great to shed a few tears during his acceptance speech.

A Keystone Poll two days earlier showed Swann riding a wave of popularity as he gained ground on Rendell in a head-to-head poll of voter preferences, cutting a double-digit gap in September down to 3 percentage points.

The first-time candidate, however, stumbled at a few junctures.

Interviewed Feb. 12 by ABC commentator George Stephanopoulos, Swann appeared not to know that if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, states would be responsible for drawing up abortion laws.

"Well, if the Supreme Court overturned it ... they've basically said that, you know, you can't have an abortion," Swann said before Stephanopoulos corrected him.

On Feb. 15, a new poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut showed Rendell ahead of Swann by 12 points. Republican voters were evenly divided on whether Swann had the experience to be governor, even though only 10 percent of Republicans said they wouldn't vote for Swann.

"Different polls show different results," Walters said. "We're confident the poll on Nov. 7 (Election Day) will elect Lynn Swann governor."

Much of the criticism about Swann last month centered on his vague promises to stem the tide of rising property taxes.

He has slammed Rendell for failing to provide relief during his three years in Harrisburg, but offered sketchy details about what he would do differently.

"As the campaign progresses, we will give specifics about how to address property taxes," Walters said. "He's talking to property owners about their concerns. Their information is most valuable as he formulates a plan."

Rendell intends to use $1 billion in revenue from new statewide slots parlors to provide some property tax relief. Later this year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hand out the first gaming licenses.

Rendell last fall assembled the Legislature into a special session on property taxes that is still ongoing.

In defending Rendell's record on property taxes, Enright encouraged voters to look past Swann's star power.

"There are very difficult decisions to be made," she said. "I think the voters are looking for someone who is tested and will get up every day and fight for them, and it might not be the guy who looks the greatest in a suit."

Tickets to the ACTION dinner at Eden Resort Inn cost $40 per person. A private reception with Swann will be held prior to the dinner; those tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple.

Tickets are available through March 10 by calling 569-0148.

ACTION is a conservative-leaning Republican political action committee.

Dave Pidgeon's e-mail address is dpidgeon@lnpnews.com. blog comments powered by Disqus