Will Jon Runyan be the next Lynn Swann?

by: ken bank

Fri Jan 01, 2010 at 09:02:14 PM EST

"Two words come to mind: Lynn Swann," said Murphy, referring to the football hall-of-famer who ran as a Republican against Democrat Ed Rendell in the 2006 Pennsylvania governor's race.  He wound up losing by 20 points.

"He was a good looking candidate, gave a good first impression, had some money, but was a disaster. That was an embarrassing double digit loss for the Republicans," said Murphy.

"If the scenario unfolds where Jon Runyan faces Justin Murphy for the nomination, I can guarantee you I will be the nominee," said Murphy.  "I'm not trying to be a trash talker on that. I can tell you why in one word: abortion.  If there is a choice between one pro-choice candidate and one pro-life candidate in this election, the base of the party will support me."

Complicating the issue are two factors, Ocean County Chairman George Gilmore and a group of insurgents who call themselves Traditional Republicans of Ocean County (TROOC).  Gilmore, whose machine gave Chris Christie a 70,000 vote margin, hasn't decided yet if he will back Runyan or put up his own candidate.  The unreconstructed Reaganistas over at TROOC came close to knocking off the machine candidates in the primary two years ago with Justin Murphy on their ballot line getting 30% of the vote in Ocean County.

Obviously Adler benefits from all this bloodletting, especially if it becomes a competitive three-way race like two years ago and with the Taliban wing of the GOP pitted against against the RINO establishment.