At the start of the cycle, Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell looked as if he would enter the ranks of the most vulnerable incumbents.
Battered by voter backlash over a hefty pay raise for the state legislature and a failure to deliver significant property tax relief, Rendell's job approval numbers sank and he drew a potentially competitive opponent in former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver and ABC sports commentator Lynn Swann.
No one can ever fault Rendell's political acumen or fundraising skills and he reacted fairly quickly to the situation. In the weeks leading up to the May 16 primary, Rendell began a round of heavy television advertising touting his accomplishments as Governor. He has also worked to shore up his significant base of support in and around Philadelphia.
Swann has been highly touted as a candidate and is one of three African-Americans Republicans seeking statewide office around the country this year. His campaign got off to a slow start as he worked to adjust to the role of candidate, get up to speed on issues and fend off a potential primary
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