GCC Republicans Blog: Campaigns and Elections Archives

March 06, 2006

Steelers Fans Vote Swann; Eagles Fans Vote Rendell [David Suetterlein]

Politics PA is reporting the findings of a recent Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll. Among the key findings: Lynn Swann is beating Governor Ed Rendell among Steelers fans 50-36 but Eagles fans are favoring Rendell 57- 26. While I appreciate the Steelers fans backing Swann, I would expect them to at least be at the same intensity level of support for a Hall of Fame Wide Reciever as Eagles fans are for a hometown partisan hack. Perhaps Jared can offer some analysis.

Posted at 05:39 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (6582)

March 02, 2006

Prominent Pro-Choice IND Might Run for Senate [David Suetterlein]

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that Kate Michelman, the former 19-year president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, might enter this year's US Senate race because leading Democrat candidate Bobby Casey Jr. has positioned himself as a pro-lifer. Casey currently could face three pro-choice alternatives in the Democrat primary, but none are considered legitimate contenders.

If Michelman were to run as an independent candidate this November, it will create even more difficulties for the anointed Casey with the Democrat Party's liberal base. According to a poll cited in the article, as much of a third of Casey's support evaporates when voters find out his position on abortion.

While Senator Rick Santorum may be behind in the polls, Republicans can be proud that his supporters know where he stands and are not upset that he supports protecting life.

Posted at 06:26 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (1538)

February 18, 2006

Catholics Slam Casey's Ties to Ultra-Left Groups [David Suetterlein]

Yesterday Joseph Cella of the Catholic advocacy group Fidelis sent a critical letter to State Treasurer Bobby Casey Jr. for his ties to several ultra-left groups. While Casey has been careful to say nothing on the issues unless given cover by Governor Ed Rendell or Washington Democrat Party bosses, he has managed to build relationships with ultra-liberal interests.

When contacted by the media about the letter, Cella made note of Casey Jr.'s actions and lamented that "Casey has ducked debates and even press appearances. The people of Pennsylvania may not know where Bob Casey stands, but they now know who he stands with." Amongst those with whom Casey Jr. stands according to the letter are the People for the American Way, George Soros, the homosexual rights advocates at the Human Rights Campaign, Hillary Clinton’s PAC, and the liberal website MoveOn.org.

Posted at 05:57 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (1705)

February 15, 2006

Panyard Leaves Field Without Support or Class [David Suetterlein]

Lynn Swann's claim of the Pennsylvania GOP's state central committee's unanimous endorsement has pushed his struggling rival Jim Panyard out of the race. Although Panyard repeatedly said he didn't want the committee's endorsement, he has clearly become bitter after losing it to Swann.

Although it is custom for nomination contest losers to support (or at least say nothing about) the successful candidate, Panyard apparently decided to take the low road and instead lash out against the Pennsylvania Republicans. After quitting the race yesterday, Paynard announced that:

"Mr. Swann’s nomination, sadly, proves the state Republican Party is not interested in principle, but in power and celebrity. It is not interested in public policy and answers to the state’s multitude of problems, financial, social, educational or otherwise. It is interested in winning, principle be damned...'Money talks' and 'principle walks' in the New Monarchy, Republicans and Democrats alike, which rules our state."

Interestingly, no where in the full statement did Panyard state what principles Swann failed to posses or the time period of the Pennsylvania Republican Party's golden age where principles were the top prize. However, Paynard did manage to hit the nail on the head when he said "I have been unable to attract enough financial support to mount any type of credible primary campaign against the state Republican Party nominee, Lynn Swann." The failed candidate could have been most accurate though had he simply struck "financial" from the above quote.

With such a low view of his party evident clear, how did this man ever think he would win its endorsement?

Posted at 03:35 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (75)

Preliminary Thoughts on the Quinnipiac Poll [Jared Walczak]

An outlier among recent surveys, the latest Quinnipiac poll has Swann trailing Rendell by 12. Within the past month, Keystone, Rasmussen and Strategic Vision have all indicated a virtual tossup.

One cannot ignore the Quinnipiac findings, and Swann must certainly combat the notion that he does not have enough experience to be governor, but there are a few anomalies in the poll that offer some comfort to those dismayed to find so dramatic a shift.

The Reverse Gender Gap: Typically, men back Republican candidates by a greater margin than women, which held true in the recent Keystone poll (male: 46-45% for Rendell; female: 45-40%). Crosstabs were not made available for the Rasmussen and Strategic Vision polls. In today's release from Quinnipiac, however, men favor Rendell 52-35%, with 13% undecided, whereas women prefer Rendell by a narrower 44-36% margin, with 19% undecided. An eight-point gender gap is not uncommon, but in this case, its direction certainly is.

In a Q-Poll on the PA Senate race, released a few days ago, women are reported as being 4% more likely to favor Bob Casey, a much more typical result. The polls were conducted separately. Is Swann the rare Republican who is favored more strongly by women than men, or, more likely, is this an anomalous reading?

Strength of Party Vote: In the Keystone poll, Swann received 69% of the Republican vote, with 65% of Democrats favoring Rendell. Although crosstabs for the Rasmussen poll are not available, this is consistent with the summary of poll findings, which reports, "Both men currently win about two thirds of the members of their respective parties." The new Quinnipiac poll, however, show Rendell with a much stronger hold on the Democratic rank-and-file, with 74% committed to his reelection. This same poll shows that nearly half of Democrats think that their governor failed to keep his word on property taxes. Isn't this showing a little high, then?

The Governor's Approval Rating: According to the Keystone Poll, 41% of Pennsylvanians view Ed Rendell favorably, 40% unfavorably. Forty-four percent of respondents approve of the job he is doing. In the Strategic Vision poll, 45% approve. The general consensus in the state is that Rendell is not a particularly popular man right now. Yet in the new Quinnipiac poll, only 24% view the governor unfavorably, and a full 51% approve of how he is handling his job. Here, too, the new poll seems to be an outlier, both with other recent polls and public opinion.

Regional Anomalies: In the Q-Poll, Swann doesn't break 50% in any of the seven regions identified by both Quinnipiac and the Keystone Poll, whereas in the latter, he is at or above 50% in three of the seven. The significance of this is found in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where Swann leads 57-31% and 60-31% respectively in the Keystone Poll, but has much smaller leads of 47-31% and 42-39% in Quinnipiac's survey. There are perils of comparing polls, but when, within the same region, a lead differs by 18%, something, somewhere, is wrong.

Here are both polls by region. The Keystone Poll is listed first, Quinnipiac second, and Rendell occupies the first slot, Swann the second and undecided/not voting are combined in the third:

Philly: 79-21-00 vs 79-12-09
Alghny: 35-42-23 vs 46-44-11
NthEst: 50-36-14 vs 49-31-21
SthEst: 57-32-11 vs 60-28-12
NthWst: 31-57-11 vs 31-47-23
SthWst: 31-60-09 vs 39-42-18
Central: 32-50-18 vs 35-45-20

Finally, a note on some similarities. Both the Keystone and Quinnipiac polls included weekend polling, and both had remarkably similar party identification, so these factors cannot account for the disparities.

Swann supporters shouldn't simply set aside this poll as irrelevant, but it is the outlier thus far, and there are at least a few reasons to call the wide lead it accords Rendell into question.

(Cross-posted at SwannBlog)

Posted at 10:11 AM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (1247)

February 14, 2006

Allen Leading as Warner Slips into Obscurity [David Suetterlein]

Four days after winning the CPAC Presidential Strawpoll, a newly released Rasmussen Reports poll reveals that Senator George Allen is also well ahead of his Democratic opponents in his re-election bid. The Washington Times is reporting that Sen. Allen is 12 points ahead of his strongest challenger, Reagan Administration turncoat, James Webb. The recent positive news surrounding the Virginia's GOP de facto leader comes at the same time as the Washington Post is reporting that former Governor Mark Warner "has become an unknown overnight."

Posted at 05:22 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (958)

February 13, 2006

Rendell Weak Among PA Democrats [Jared Walczak]

Even contributors to the liberal, Dean campaign-inspired MyDD blog have some doubts about Rendell’s chances, it seems. Though several days old, this post about the presidential preferences of Pennsylvania Democrats is instructive.

Observing that major candidates like Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and even John Kerry are likely to beat even home state rivals, blogger Chris Bowers nonetheless expresses concern that Ed Rendell has the potential presidential primary support of only 2% of Pennsylvania Democrats, with the likes of Russ Feingold, Mark Warner and Joe Biden all surpassing his total. The governor only barely eclipses Evan Bayh, Bill Richardson and Tom Vilsack.

How many Pennsylvania Democrats polled can even identify the Wisconsin senator, let alone Iowa’s governor? Certainly nowhere near as many who are familiar with Ed Rendell. Those politicians may be well-known to the sort of individuals who read a political blog such as this, but bear in mind that a surprising percentage of voters couldn’t tell you who the challenger is in their own congressional district.

Rendell, then, ought to be doing a little better than this tied for eighth place showing in his own state. Sen. Feingold, for example, takes 23% in a similar poll in his home state, and even Rendell used to fare slightly better, with six and five percent respectively in polls conducted last year. A meager two percent in this straw poll, then, is a perhaps unconventional but certainly interesting indicator of the strength of the governor’s support in the state.

Writes Bowers:

Rendell is not the first choice of Pennsylvania Democrats. He isn’t the sixth choice, even when people aren’t very familiar with many of the names offered. I think this shows he will clearly have problems firing up the base, a problem the Republican base may not have with Santorum on the ticket. Considering how many other important elections are taking place in Pennsylvania this year, this is a very bad sign indeed.

Remember, 54% of registered voters (per the recent Keystone Poll) think it’s time for someone else. As Lynn Swann hits the campaign trail, more and more voters are realizing that “someone else” has arrived. (H/T: Santorum Blog)

(Cross-posted at SwannBlog)

Posted at 12:58 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (630)

Casey's social values [Jared Walczak]

Bob Casey will be the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign's annual gala.

But surely he's the social conservative type...?

Posted at 12:40 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (56)

February 11, 2006

Swann and Matthews Win RSC Endorsement [Jared Walczak]

By a voice vote, the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee unanimously endorsed Lynn Swann and Jim Matthews for governor and lieutenant governor today. A Swann-Matthews ticket achieves regional balance, with Matthews hailing from Montgomery County, and it provides Pennsylvania Republicans with a conservative team of which they can be proud. (H/T: SwannBlog)

Posted at 03:10 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (46)

February 10, 2006

Whither Philadelphia's Undecideds? [Jared Walczak]

Perhaps the most peculiar aspect of the new Keystone poll [link to PDF summary] is the evident extinction of Philadelphia County's undecideds. Keystone Polls, conducted by Franklin & Marshall University, have traditionally divided the state into seven regions: Philadelphia, Northeast, Allegheny, Southwest, Northwest, Central and Southeast. The Philadelphia region is notable for consisting entirely of Philadelphia County, and it is unquestionably the most liberal region in Franklin & Marshall's division of the state.

Thirteen percent of respondents in the Keystone poll were undecided in the gubernatorial race, but remarkably, none of them resided in Philadelphia. Almost a quarter of Allegheny County voters are undecided, and excluding Philadelphia alone, roughly 15% of those in Pennsylvania's 66 remaining counties express indecision. But not in Philadelphia, where Rendell leads Swann 79-21%. Is it really reasonable to conclude that Philadelphians have all made up their minds at this early stage?

This is rendered even more surprising when one observes that the poll is of registered, not likely, voters. Traditionally, likely voters are more certain of their choice at earlier stages in the election process.

Consider this: in a September 2002 Keystone poll (much farther along than we are in this election), 11% of Philadelphia County respondents registered themselves as undecided in Rendell-Fisher gubernatorial race. While it's true that open races such as that of 2002 often result in a higher rate of undecided voters, Philadelphia residents were not entirely unfamiliar with Ed Rendell, their former mayor, whom they reelected in 1995 with 80% of the vote. And in an August 2004 poll, 18% of Philadelphia voters called themselves undecided in the general election match-up between Sen. Arlen Specter and challenger Joe Hoeffel. With this election, Sen. Specter, a native of that region, became Pennsylvania's longest-serving Senator. One can scarcely argue that Philadelphians were unfamiliar with the candidate.

So why the anomaly this year? Is it not unfair of Keystone to deny us months of speculation on how Philly's undecideds will break? Surely they must exist...

If, however, Philadelphian undecideds are indeed an endangered species, it is not altogether clear to what extent the campaigns will be affected. In August of 2004, the poll gave Specter 28% of the Philly vote, with Hoeffel garnering 51%, Clymer claiming 3% and 18% listed as undecided. Specter did indeed get 28% of the vote, with undecideds going to Hoeffel almost single-mindedly, the Democrat capturing 70.5% of the vote. In 2002, by contrast, Philadelphia undecideds split somewhat more evenly between the two candidates on Election Day, and even in 2004, undecideds ended up in both the Bush and Kerry camps on November 2. In each case, however, those calling themselves undecided in the run-up to the election ended up favoring the Democrat, albeit by widely varying margins.

Of course, Swann's 21% in that bastion of eastern liberalism is welcome news. In the September 2002 poll, Fisher, who ultimately lost with 44.37% of the vote statewide, had a mere 7% support in Philadelphia. (He would go on to capture twice that percentage in the election.) This early in the race, Swann's campaign has to be pleased with their showing in Philadelphia.

If, perhaps, a little perplexed.

Posted at 02:52 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (573)

"Stick with Santorum" [Jared Walczak]

My editorial, "Stick with Santorum," which appeared in last week's issue of The Collegian, is now available in the opinions section of this website. It can be accessed here.

Posted at 12:35 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (497)

With Turzai out, Gov./Lt. Gov. Ticket Decided [Jared Walczak]

Yesterday, Republican State Rep. Mike Turzai, a candidate for Lieutenent Governor, dropped out of the race, endorsing Lynn Swann and Jim Matthews for governor and lieutenant governor respectively. With only minor candidate Jim Panyard, who opted not to seek the Republican State Committee's nomination, left in the gubernatorial race, the field is now essentially clear for a Swann - Matthews ticket.

Swann had previously endorsed Jim Matthews.

With the decisions of Jeff Piccola, Bill Scranton and now Mike Turzai to withdraw themselves from their respective races, Messrs. Swann and Matthews are free to focus all of their resources on beating Ed Rendell and Catherine Baker Knoll, a definite advantage. The candidates must, however, now work harder to get press coverage for the next few months, as the "Swann vs. Scranton," and to a much lesser extent, "Matthews against Turzai," templates assured regular news items.

This race, however, is trending undeniably well for Swann and Turzai. A new Keystone poll shows Swann in a dead heat with Rendell, reflecting a jump in that poll of 17 points in the past five months. Fifty-four percent believe that someone other than Rendell should be governor, and as of this time, only 39% say that the incumbent should be reelected. Two other polls released last month also indicated a dead heat, but the Keystone poll, given its status and that of director Terry Madonna, in the state, is probably the most significant to date.

Posted at 08:04 AM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (739)

February 09, 2006

From Dean to ... Tarrant? [Jared Walczak]

In 2004, Kate O'Connor headed Howard Dean's campaign, Joe Trippi's power grabs not withstanding. In 2006, she's signed on as a senior policy advisor to Vermont's Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Richard Tarrant.

Admittedly, there's no Democrat in the race, most in Vermont's Democratic Party more than happy to cast their support behind socialist Rep. Bernie Sanders, but the switch is, at least, rather interesting. One would not expect the head of Dean's legions to become a senior advisor to a Republican candidate in the state.

However, this is likely to make much of a difference in the end, as Sanders is all but assured an overwhelming victory in the fall election.

Posted at 12:28 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (155)

February 07, 2006

Swann's Statement on Scranton's Withdrawal [Jared Walczak]

From Swann's campaign:

"Bill Scranton made a difficult decision today. I applaud him for his leadership, both in the past as Lt. Governor and today as someone with an interest in seeing the Republican Party unified as we move towards our ultimate goal - defeating Ed Rendell. I look forward to working with Bill and his supporters.

"Bill's competition for this nomination has contributed a great deal to the debate about making the Commonwealth a better place for all Pennsylvanians. We all agree on one thing, Pennsylvania must do better.

"Our current governor thinks Pennsylvania is as good as it can be. I know we can do better, and I look forward to a spirited campaign revolving around the issues important to Pennsylvania families."

Posted at 06:53 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (79)

Second thoughts on Santorum... [David Suetterlein]

Just an hour ago I was singing the praises of Senator Rick Santorum to a conservative Republican disappointed by Santorum's 2004 endorsement of Arlen Specter over Pat Toomey. While I certainly did not support that action, I understood it. Upon getting back to my office, I too began having second thoughts of my strong support for the Senator's re-election, after I received the following mass-email...

"Dear David,
I can't tell you how excited I am that the Pittsburgh Steelers are Super Bowl champions again.
Some naysayers thought the Steelers couldn't do it this year, but, with their fans standing strong behind them, they defied the odds..."

I understand the political pressures placed on the Senator to take such a position, but it is still quite sadening.

Posted at 06:38 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (99)

Scranton Bows Out! [David Suetterlein]

Bill Scranton's campaign released this statement today:

"For the past two years I have traveled Pennsylvania, a state Maryla and I love and are proud to call home.

I’ve been to every one of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. From rural fire companies and American Legion halls to the great urban centers of Pennsylvania, I’ve taken my blueprint for a state that can once again be a thriving home to this generation’s leading edge entrepreneurs and opportunity seekers.

I have spoken plainly and at times forcefully, about the need for Pennsylvania to change the way it does business. Lowering heavy tax loads, shrinking the size of a bloated state government, and rolling back the regulatory burden on hard working families and job creators have been hallmark issues of my campaign for change.

I’ve also challenged the status quo by standing with the people for clean government and honest reform. I believe Pennsylvania deserves a government that does its business openly, and in the clear light of day. Public service is the highest calling and it is the first duty of elected leaders to conduct the people’s business with integrity.

My campaign for governor has been about renewing Pennsylvania and calling on the leaders of the Republican Party to return to our historic platform of limited government and personal responsibility.

Without these changes, Republicans risk losing the confidence of the people and Pennsylvania’s stalled return to greatness may never occur.

Against the backdrop of these deeply held convictions and the growing realization that Pennsylvania’s Republican establishment is opposed to my call for an open primary, I have determined that my chances of success are minimal in mounting a grassroots campaign effort.

While I am confident in our hopeful message of reform and renewal, I am less convinced in our ability to win the all important precinct-by-precinct battles against the operational resources of the state party.

Our campaign is strong, but not strong enough to defeat a candidate who has received the near unanimous backing of state and national party leaders.

I am grateful for the overwhelming support from thousands of committed friends and loyal supporters. Their hearts, their financial investment and their personal commitment to me and this cause mean more than I can fully express. Maryla and I are thankful for the friendships made and those renewed along the way – We will never forget the many sacrifices made on our behalf.

I wish the very best to Lynn Swann and Jim Panyard as they continue their quest for the Republican nomination. I commit today to extend my full, unequivocal support to the nominee that emerges in May.

Finally, I am truly convinced that the movement to transform our state and rebuild confidence in the Republican Party will not end with my exit from the primary election field. The passion and energy from thousands of activist citizens will go on until Pennsylvania’s Comeback is complete. I look forward to being an active participant in this great cause. Thank You. "

Posted at 06:29 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (419)

Governor Swann? One crowd says yes... [Jared Walczak]

From an email posted on NRO's The Corner:

"Lynn Swann was just speaking at the Steelers victory celebration in Pittsburgh (Rendell is in attendance). He was interrupted by the crowd chanting GOVERNOR, GOVERNOR, GOVERNOR! He actually had to stop the crowd and remind them that today is just about the glorious Steeler Super bowl victory!"

Posted at 12:09 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (588)

February 01, 2006

Swann Backing Allen? [Jared Walczak]

According to Chris Cizzilla at WaPo's politics blog, Lynn Swann is one of the hosts of a fundraiser for Sen. George Allen. The "Touchdown Reception," to be held in Detriot the day before the Super Bowl, is for the Senator's reelection efforts, but the names of the event's headliners make it clear that many expect something more of the Virginian.

Along with Swann, football greats Roger Staubach, Steve Largent and Jack Kemp, plus with a handful of owners and others associated with the game of football, including a member of the Rooney family, Tim, will be on hand for the fundraiser.

So, how should one read this? Is Mr. Swann simply supporting Allen's reelection effort, or is this an early indication of his preference in the 2008 presidential primaries?

Posted at 11:27 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (39)

January 26, 2006

Connecting with Voters [Jared Walczak]

Compare and contrast: RickSantorum.com; BobCaseyForPA.com

Featured on Casey's page is the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters, which has received top billing for some time. A long-time foe of conservatives, whose more market-based approaches to ensuring the preservation of our environment are deemed unworthy by this organization, which gave the Bush administration an "F" in 2004 and urged the ouster of such men as Bob Beauprez, Richard Burr, Mel Martinez and John Thune, among others, in that election cycle, and which is presently engaged in scaremongering on the Alito nomination, the LCV's decision to endorse Casey hardly comes as a surprise. The organization almost always endorses Democrats.

Of course, they did endorse Sen. Chafee this cycle. In the spirit of the Eleventh Commandment, I shall refrain from reiterating my previous comment about the politicians they typically favor.

The top story on Santorum's website is of a different variety. "Here we go..." reads the text layered over the item's accompanying photo, depicting the Senator donning a Steelers sweatshirt over his more traditional apparel, with Terrible Towels proudly displayed by those around him. Right after the road victory in Detroit, site visitors were redirected to a splash page cheering on the AFC Champions.

Clearly, Bob Casey needs to prioritize. He waited for Ed Rendell to provide him with political cover on the qualifications of Samuel Alito. Is he waiting for our Eagles fan governor to give him guidance on this one, too?

(Please note: I write this largely tongue-in-cheek. I do not mean to suggest that a candidate or public official be judged on his or her sports loyalties, nor the intensity of that interest. Nor would I stoop to such lows as to point out that our illustrious chairman favors the Seahawks, due entirely to a visceral hatred of the Steelers.)

Posted at 05:46 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (30) | TrackBack (458)

Lynn Swann, Rich White Guy? [Jared Walczak]

There are many things Pennsylvanians are still learning about Lynn Swann, but that he is a "rich white guy" is an odd one to make the list.

James Seif, Scranton's campaign manager -- make that former campaign manager -- absurdly declared that "the rich white guy in this campaign is Lynn Swann" on a PCN call-in show yesterday. He has since been fired.

Scranton is trailing badly, and these surprising and tasteless comments by Seif don't help. One might observe, however, that fewer and fewer Republicans in the state are much concerned with the state of the Scranton campaign.

Posted at 05:06 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (70) | TrackBack (111)

January 09, 2006

Swann Feeling the Farm Show Love [David Suetterlein]

John Baer of the Philadelphia Daily News has a great article about the love Lynn Swann was feeling at the 50,000 people-per-day agriculture event. At the end of the article even the author himself praises the Republican candidate and mentions a few Reaganesque qualities.

Baer also makes interesting mention that all the fanfare surrounding Swann was on "Governor's Day" at the Farm Show, but the candidate for governor actually attracted a larger following than Governor Ed Rendell himself. Perhaps the best indicator of who the media and crowd were interested in was revealed after the two men crossed paths and exchanged greetings. Baer reports "A TV crew following the guv peels off and follows Swann. And as the crowd around Swann swells, Ed, wife Midge, aides and state troopers walk away."

Posted at 12:31 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (116) | TrackBack (398)

January 07, 2006

More on Piccola's Decision [Jared Walczak]

According to a source within the news media, Sen. Piccola announced his intention to withdraw from the race in a closed meeting of the Republican State Committee's Central Caucus, held at a suburban Harrisburg motel. Reporters were barred from the event; according to the source, early indications of Sen. Piccola's announcement came from Swann, Scranton and a host of others present as they exited the session.

As of this time, there has not been any official word from the Piccola campaign beyond the announcement behind closed doors.

According to one individual (who requested anonymity) in attendance at the event, Mr. Piccola stressed that he had accomplished many of his goals and reaffirmed his continuing involvement on the issues he brought to the forefront, albeit now in a different role.

UPDATE: The Patriot-News has more details on Piccola's speech, including a number of quotes not printed elsewhere.

"I will not be with you as a candidate for governor," Piccola said. "I will be with you as a worker in the trenches, working for the Republican Party." [...]

"We must be united as a party to take on Ed Rendell and beat him," Piccola said. "I hope that I set an example that this race is a huge challenge. We must put aside our personal goals for the betterment, not just for our party, but for the betterment of Pennsylvania."

Posted at 07:40 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (2651) | TrackBack (437)

Piccola, Swann and the Central Caucus [Jared Walczak]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette now has the Piccola story (see previous post), adding a few details:

Piccola, R-Dauphin, announced at a meeting of the Central Caucus of the state committee this morning that he is pulling out of the four-way race for the GOP nomination to run against incumbent Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

He didn't give a specific reason, but many committee members said he did it to avoid the embarrassment of having the Central Caucus -- Mr. Piccola's home turf -- endorse another GOP candidate.

The initial snippet on PoliticsPA seems to indicate that a lack of funding may also have been an issue. The campaigns last filed on December 31, but I have been unable to locate contribution totals for Piccola's campaign.

The big winner in the Central Caucus today, according to the Post-Gazette's Tom Barnes, is Lynn Swann, who won the endorsement of the largest regional caucus by a vote of 77 to 32. The full committee will make an endorsement on February 11.

Posted at 04:50 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (515) | TrackBack (5)

BREAKING: Piccola Out of Race [Jared Walczak]

Sen. Jeff Piccola announced this morning that he is withdrawing from the gubernatorial race. According to PoliticsPA.com:

In a speech, Piccola said this campaign was never about him, but his ideas which he feels have been advanced. Piccola went on to criticize Rendell for his failed leadership. Piccola said while he enjoyed the race and advancing his agenda, it had become apparent that the resources would not be there to continue.

David Suetterlein pointed me to this item earlier today, but we elected not to run it, as, while PoliticsPA is generally scrupulous in its reporting and has excellent sources, this story was inexplicably available only there since at least 9 AM.

Calls David and I made to Sen. Piccola's campaign office went to voicemail, which was interesting, yet not conclusive. A call I made to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review had the individual with whom I spoke hurrying to his computer to see for himself; he had heard nothing about the story.

KDKA, when I called, was aware of the item on PoliticsPA.com and presumed it true, but had not confirmed it. Calls to the Philadelphia Inquirer's newsroom went unanswered.

Finally, my call worked its way up to an editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who has confirmed to me that Sen. Piccola is indeed out of the race, although details are few. A PG reporter is currently working on the story.

With Piccola out and Panyard a minor player at best, the race now comes down, essentially, to Swann and Scranton. The battle lines are drawn.

Posted at 01:49 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (993) | TrackBack (452)

January 06, 2006

Fmr. RNC Chairman Gillespie joins Team Allen [David Suetterlein]

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie has joined Sen. George Allen's campaign team as treasurer of Allen's political action committee, Good Government for America. Gillespie most recently served as now Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts' chief public relations manager during the confimration process. Prior to that Gillespie served as RNC Chief from 2003-2005 when Republicans maintained majorities in the US House and Senate while re-electing President George W. Bush.

Gillespie joins the growing list of Republican heavy-hitters who are joining Sen. Allen's re-election campaign. Allen's campaign is being managed by Sen. John Thune's 2004 campaign manager Dick Wadhams who is largely credited with crafting the message that defeated former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

Having already raised $5M in campaign cash for 2006, the addition of Gillespie to the "A-Team" ensures that the Senator will definitely have the necessary funds to promote his vision of Jeffersonian values as he seeks re-election.

Posted at 12:49 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (27) | TrackBack (412)

January 05, 2006

Lynn Swann Announces Candidacy [Jared Walczak]

For some time, we knew that Lynn Swann was on the verge of "announc[ing his] historic plan to change Pennyslvania"; we were well aware of the fact that he intended to "announce [his] commitment to lowering property taxes, creating jobs, and reforming state government on January 4th." His staff, however, remained coy about what this meant. Could it mean that he was running for governor?

Swann's now-campaign manager, Ray Zaborney, didn't know, making him perhaps the only politically aware individual in the commonwealth who hadn't figured it out.

Last night, of course, the Steelers Hall of Famer officially announced his candidacy, delivering what the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review termed "a blistering attack on Gov. Ed Rendell." Swann spoke of his commitment to "revamp[ing] the property tax system -- not shift it from one tax to another, not put a Band-Aid on it, not put a thumb in the dike." The fourth entrant into the Republican gubernatorial primary, Swann placed first in a recent Keystone Poll, moving ahead of Bill Scranton.

Posted at 10:39 PM in Campaigns and Elections | Comments (1631)

December 30, 2005

Year-End Reviews for '08 Hopefuls [David Suetterlein]

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza has written reviews for the 2008 contenders' performances during 2005. Despite the scrutiny that comes with being a percieved front runner and his close friend Jerry Kilgore's failure to capture the Virginia governor's mansion, Senator George Allen (R-VA) is still near the very top of the pack. In addition to his praise for Allen, Cillizza easily assessed the weak-kneed "leadership" of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to be the worst 2005 performance of all the '08 contenders. All the reviews can be viewed here.

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