HARRISBURG -- When he seeks re-election in 2006, Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, a rabid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, could be facing a Republican opponent who knows a bit more about pro football than he does -- former Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann.

	Martha Rial, Post-Gazette Lynn Swann was a prominent supporter of President George Bush and the Republican ticket this year, making numerous appearances including this one last month on election eve. Click photo for larger image.

Swann this week began calling Republican officials here and elsewhere to let them know of his possible interest in the 2006 GOP gubernatorial race, a contest that already has several well-known Republicans considering a run.

"I got a call from Mr. Swann," state House Majority Leader Sam Smith, R-Punxsutawney, said yesterday. "He told me he was exploring [a run]. He made it very clear he hadn't made any commitment yet, but he did want to put feelers out."

Smith said he doesn't know where Swann stands on key issues facing the state, but likes the idea of such a high-profile person expressing interest in the 2006 race.

"I think it's pretty exciting to have a guy like Lynn Swann interested in running," Smith said. "He's bright, articulate and obviously a very charismatic guy. If he pursues this venture further, I'll be looking forward to sitting down with him and discussing what his political agenda and vision for Pennsylvania is."

Swann, 52, who lives in Sewickley Heights, became famous with his graceful and acrobatic pass-catching during the Steelers' Super Bowl years of the 1970s, works as a college football commentator for ABC television.

That gives him something in common with Rendell, who on Sunday afternoons each fall sits on a four-man panel of commentators after each Eagles games, a two-hour show broadcast on Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia. He's done that for eight years, going back to his days in the 1990s as Philadelphia mayor.

Swann wasn't taking calls yesterday, but Marlene Chodlowski, a spokeswoman at his company, Swann Inc., issued a brief statement:

"My decision [on whether to run] is not imminent. However, I am discussing the idea with family, friends and political leaders."

U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., said Swann had called him Wednesday and "told me this is something he would consider."

Rendell took office in January 2003 and is expected to seek re-election. He hasn't made a formal announcement but often talks about things he wants to accomplish in his second four years.

"Barring some unforeseen circumstance, he'll certainly be interested in continuing the work we've been doing for the last two years," said Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips. "Right now he's focused on saving mass transit, helping Pittsburgh's financial recovery and implementing slots for property tax relief."

As for any Republican opponent in 2006, she said, "it would be a lofty task for anyone to beat Ed Rendell. He has delivered on his promises and anyone who wants to run against him will be in for quite a challenge."

While Swann is a well-known name on the football field, he is a political neophyte and will have much campaigning to do if he runs in 2006.

He'd likely face state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola of suburban Harrisburg, who's been a state legislator for 25 years. Piccola recently said he was "95 percent" certain he will run in 2006. Piccola has been a constant critic of Rendell over expanded gambling, taxes and other issues.

Santorum said that besides Piccola, former Lt. Gov. William Scranton had also expressed interest in the 2006 GOP primary. Santorum said he didn't have a preference.

"It's exciting," he said of the potential GOP field.

Other names mentioned for 2006 include U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart of the North Hills and former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey of Allentown, a conservative who ran a strong challenge to U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter last spring before narrowly losing.

While Swann hasn't run for political office, he has been active in GOP ranks lately. He introduced President Bush at many of his appearances in Western Pennsylvania during the recent presidential campaign. Swann and Bush were even pictured on political literature they were handing out.

John Brabender, a media consultant, who has worked for Santorum, state Attorney General-elect Tom Corbett and many other Republicans, said Swann presents a "fresh face," which could be what voters are looking for in 2006.

"I don't think his lack of political experience is a killer," Brabender said. "During a race for governor, issues are a little bit secondary. A candidate's likability and leadership ability are primary. Lynn Swann is articulate and likeable and comes across as a great advocate for Pennsylvania."

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Correction/Clarification: (Published Dec. 11, 2004)Former Steelers receiver Lynn Swann, who may seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2006, is 52. His age was incorrect in this article published in Dec. 10, 2004 editions about his potential candidacy.