The LuLac Edition #56, Sept. 9th, 2006

DOES SWANN HAVE A RHODES PROBLEM?
Back in 1980, there was a crowded field for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat which was being vacated by Richard Schweiker. Schweiker had served since 1968 when he beat incumbent Senator Joseph Clark in a hotly contested race. The Senator in 1976 took a turn as Ronald Reagan’s Vice Presidential running mate in an attempt to wrest delegates in the Pennsylvania fold from then incumbent President Gerald Ford. It did not work and Schweiker served out the rest of his term in anticipation of another Reagan run and perhaps a place either in the campaign or the administration.
The Democratic party saw an opportunity to win the seat back and the field was crowded with luminaries like State Senator Craig Lewis and former Pittsburgh Mayor Pete Flaherty. A candidate who was a long shot was State representative Joseph Rhodes. Rhodes was making history because he was the first black candidate to run statewide for national office. Rhodes announced his campaign and started to travel around the state. From party regulars he essentially got the cold shoulder. His campaign needed some traction but his team was unaware on how to jump start his effort.
Rhodes was from the western part of the state and the Pittsburgh Steelers were just coming off a Super Bowl victory over the Dallas Cowboys. It was decided by the Rhodes camp to have star Steeler fullback Franco Harris campaign with the candidate and/or his wife Linda. This instantly brought out the crowds for the Rhodes campaign. Whereas in the past, Rhodes barely got a few people at his rallies, now places were packed with people waiting to see Rhodes but also more importantly waiting to see Franco Harris.
Rhodes' wife Linda came to Wilkes Barre with Harris in tow. A crowd of 200 people showed up at Genetti’s to see the candidate’s wife and Harris. The problem was everyone gravitated to Harris. Rhodes’ wife, who would become Secretary of Aging in a later Democratic administration was nearly stampeded to death by fans with footballs, posters and other pieces of Steeler gear. At one point, while Mrs. Rhodes tried to give the stump speech, there was so much commotion that Franco had to get the crowd back in line.
It appears that the football celebrity of Lynn Swann is also proving to be both a blessing and a curse. Swann does draw crowds and is an energetic speaker but there are people who seem more interested in his glory days rather than his policies. Swann is in a quandary because he can’t very well deny his celebrity or fame. (He appeared on NBC TV Thursday night as part of the NFL pregame salute to the Steelers). But he needs to address issues, not do autographs if he is indeed to come within striking distance of Ed Rendell. If I were part of the Swann team, I’d find the film clip of Ed Rendell saying, “I can produce property tax reform standing on my head”. But I’m not and they haven’t. Swann needs to break out soon, if he doesn’t, his campaign will occupy the same footnote in Pennsylvania political history as Joseph Rhodes’ run in 1980. Historic, but not successful in terms of the end result.

LYNN GETS MORE HELP…….Got this e mail from the Swann camp which kind of proves my point.
Dear Swann Team Member,
Last night, the 2005 Super Bowl Championship Steelers kicked off their 2006 season with a victory in Pittsburgh against the Dolphins.
Watching the Steelers play brings back wonderful memories of some of the great athletes I was fortunate enough to play with, including NFL Hall of Famer and Pennsylvania's next Governor, Lynn Swann.
As a friend and former teammate of Lynn's, I'm proud to support his campaign to put Pennsylvania back on track this November, and I believe in his plan for change, reform and leadership in the Commonwealth.
When Lynn and I were drafted to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974, we became part of a team that went on to win four Super Bowls.
We were successful because we worked together towards a common goal, and because we had strong leadership. Our teamwork required dedication, hard work, focus, leadership and the ability to craft a winning plan and follow through with it.
Lynn's going to bring these same principles that made him a successful athlete to Harrisburg. He's got the right stuff to be the next Governor of Pennsylvania, and he knows that we have to change Harrisburg. But we can't change Harrisburg unless we change Governors. That's why I support Lynn, and I'm asking you to do the same today.
We've set a goal to raise $50,000 for Lynn online before the next campaign fundraising filing deadline on September 18th. Will you join the Stallworth Challenge by making a donation of $50, $150, $250, $500 or $1,000?
With Election Day only two months away, it's vital to help Lynn's campaign. That's why I'm challenging each and every one of you to join our team and help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 by September 18th.
Your support will make all the difference. I've worked with Lynn and know first-hand that he is the man who can bring the necessary leadership and reform that Pennsylvania needs. Please, join me today in giving Lynn your full support. Thank you.
Sincerely, John Stallworth
P.S. I am supporting my friend and former teammate, Lynn Swann for Governor of Pennsylvania. With only two months until Election Day, it's extremely urgent that you help us reach the goal of raising $50,000 by September 18th. Lynn is going to bring the leadership to the Commonwealth that he showed on the field for the Steelers. Your donation, no matter how large or small will help us reach our goal. Lynn's the man who will change Pennsylvania for the better, but he won't be able to do it without our help. Please join the Stallworth Challenge right away! Thank you.

LEONARDI CHALLENGES KANJOSKI TO DEBATE....Congressional candidate Joe Leonardi on the Sue Henry program on WILK Radio challenged Congressman Paul Kanjorski to a debate. No word yet from the Congressman.

UPCOMING: THE COMPARISON BETWEEN RICK SANTORUM'S BATTLE THIS YEAR AND JOE CLARK'S BATTLE IN 1968. WAR, TAXES, THE ECONOMY WERE ALL THE ISSUES BACK THEN AND NOW. AND A LOOK AT PITTSBURGH'S NEWEST MAYOR AND HOW FATE PLAYED A ROLE IN HIS ELEVATION TO THAT OFFICE.