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Washington Prowler

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Republicans are looking to two well-known locals -- Lawrence mayor Michael Sullivan and former standout NFL lineman Fred Smerlas -- to challenge for the seat. At press time, Smerlas had not revealed his decision. Sullivan had recently announced plans to open an exploratory committee for the run.

Smerlas isn't the only Republican former football standout looking at politics. Someone apparently finally knocked some sense into former Hall of Fame wide receiver, former Pittsburgh Steeler, losing Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann. Instead of shooting for the highest office, the political neophyte is gunning for a seat he can actually win. He's looking to challenge first term Rep. Jason Altmire, who defeated incumbent Rep. Melissa Hart last fall for the PA 4th District seat. Hart is also mulling a run.

Swann's initial political run was against Gov. Ed Rendell, a legendary Pennsylvania pol. Swann wasn't given much a shot, and insiders felt that the candidate should have been given an opportunity in a lesser race to get his political sea legs in place.

Swann is being heavily wooed for the seat, in part because while he lost to Rendell by close to 20 points statewide, Swann beat Rendell in the 4th district, 51-49.

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