Pa. campaign manager fired for remark

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A gubernatorial candidate challenging pro-football Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann in the Republican primary fired his campaign manager after the man told a televised call-in show: ''The rich white guy in this campaign is Lynn Swann."

Bill Scranton, a former lieutenant governor who is white and comes from a wealthy family, also issued an apology to Swann after his campaign manager's comments Wednesday.

The remarks made by James Seif ''in no way whatsoever reflect my views, or those of my campaign," Scranton said. ''I want to apologize to Lynn Swann, his family, supporters, and PCN viewers for the offensive and disturbing comments made on my behalf."

Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steelers star, is seeking to become Pennsylvania's first black governor. His campaign spokeswoman, Melissa Walters, declined to comment about the remarks yesterday morning.

Seif, who is white and previously served in Governor Tom Ridge's Cabinet, made the comment while trying to portray Scranton as a political outsider and Swann as the candidate favored by the GOP establishment.

Seif took no umbrage at being fired. Instead, he commended Scranton for acting ''quickly, decisively and correctly."

The primary is May 16.