Kelly McLaughlin – 1/8/06

This page was last updated on January 8, 2006.

Swann lacks experience; Kelly McLaughlin; Beaver County Times; January 8, 2006.

As you will read, McLaughlin really doesn’t care about experience. The real problem is Mr. Swann is a Republican.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“As an avid Steelers fan, I admire Lynn Swann for his excellent pro football career. Most fans loved and respected him.

“However, I wonder what makes him feel qualified to become governor? Could it be his bachelor’s degree in public relations or maybe his sports reporting experience? He even used the phrase ‘tossing his hat into the ring’ when announcing his candidacy.”

[RWC] Where’s McLaughlin been? Everyone uses the “tossing his/her hat in the ring” phrase. According to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the saying originated in 1916 when President Wilson threw his hat in the center ring to show he’d seek re-election.

It may come as a surprise to McLaughlin, but most people elected governor for the first time have no significant governing experience. Perhaps McLaughlin forgets Bill Clinton had no executive experience before he was elected governor of Arkansas. Likewise JFK had no government executive experience before being elected president. The same was true for FDR.

“Swann supported President Bush in his re-election, as well as U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart. Hart, who blindly votes 96 percent of the time with President Bush, makes it clear that the congressional seat that she holds is simply a stepping stone for her career with little or no concern for the working class people that she represents in her six-county district.”

[RWC] “Hart … blindly votes 96 percent of the time with President Bush?” Even if it’s true, what should we expect given that both are Republicans with similar positions on most issues? Earth to McLaughlin, that’s true for most members of the same party. It would be news if members of the same party didn’t consistently agree on most issues.

Regarding her seat being a “stepping stone,” I don’t know if it’s true or not but it’s clear most elected officials treat their office as a career. Local examples include Frank LaGrotta and Mike Veon.

“We already have a congressional representative being pulled by the Bush administration puppet strings. Do we really want a governor being pulled by those same strings?

“With all due respect to Swann, it is my prayer that he will not use his fame to obtain the governor’s seat. Please allow those educated in governing to bring our state to the ‘majority employed’ Hall of Fame.”

[RWC] Does McLaughlin believe you take classes to become governor?

“‘Majority employed’ Hall of Fame?” If McLaughlin would take the time to check, he/she would find out national and Pennsylvania employment is approximately 95%.