Republican Lynn Swann is now leading Democratic incumbent governor, Ed Rendell, in a recent poll conducted by Rasmussen for the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race this year. Much can still happen over the next ten months and Swann has yet to really become clear on his ideas and plans for the State, but for Rendell to already be polling behind a potential challenger this early can’t be making him very comfortable.

January 19, 2006–Our latest poll of the race for Pennsylvania governor shows Republican Lynn Swann, the former receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, narrowly leading Democratic Governor Ed Rendell 45% to 43%.

Fifty-four percent (54%) of voters view Swann favorably; 47% view Rendell favorably.

Swann formally declared his candidacy just two weeks ago, on January 4. But he has enjoyed early success in securing endorsements from two of six regional caucuses in his quest for the party nomination. The Republican state Committee will endorse a candidate on February 11.