“Some people are impatient to know and some people are pushing to hurry you and drag you into a difficult position. I will say this: I am conservative by nature. Pennsylvania needs to find ways for business to thrive. I am for reducing taxes for business and an environment that will create more jobs and revenue for our state. I am conservative as far as social values are concerned.”
The lack of specifics early on has led to some awkward moments. At the Westmoreland County Republican dinner in late February, Swann had his first major opportunity to publicly discuss his potential run for governor. Addressing the crowd, he called himself a conservative but declined to provide his position on gun control or taxes or even abortion.
“Until I decide to step out and run for a position,” he said, “I don’t think it is necessary for me to go out and take a particular position.”
Minutes later, he returned to tell the reporters gathered at the dinner that he opposed abortion rights — putting him in line with most Republicans.
“I wasn’t supposed to be born,” Swann said, explaining that his father had wanted only two children, but his mother wanted a third. “I was born. That’s enough for me to be pro-life.”