Runyan talks politics, Obama, a little
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Runyan talks politics, Obama, a little
Former Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan, who said this week he plans to run for Congress in South Jersey's Third District, didn't talk to the Jersey media on the day of his announcement, but spoke a bit to Associated Press reporters in California covering his new deal with the San Diego Chargers.
His impetus for running, according to AP: Congress needs change.
"Something has to be changed. I mean, you talk about career politicians and the way this country is going, you've got to try something different because it's not working," Runyan told the wire service Wednesday.
Asked his opinion on President Obama, Runyan said "I'm staying away from that one," according to AP.
As for moving from the football field to campaign, the 13-year National Football League veteran said politics is "something that I'm interested in and something I have a lot to learn about, but it would definitely take the beating off my body." He called his passion for football "mostly stupidity."
In a statement, he said this season would be his last one.
At least one prominent Republican, though, has questioned whether Runyan will truly leave football behind after this season and focus on campaigning for next November's election. George Gilmore, the influential Ocean County Republican chairman, said that was a concern.
The Third District includes much of Burlington and Ocean counties, both GOP strongholds that last year battled over which area's candidate would be the Republican nominee. Runyan lives in Mount Holly, Burlington County. Gilmore said some Ocean County Republicans are still interested in running for the nomination.
Click here for Philly.com's politics page.
What possibly makes Jon Runyan qualified AND a good choice?— Malcolm65
Comment removed.- What are the qualifications of a representative?? To listen to your constituents and vote in their best interest. It's really not hard . . . and yes Runyan is qualified . . . and the fact that he isn't a career politician and wouldn't be easily swayed, or put in the pocket of special interests, make him a good choice— cd456
- I'm all for it, as long as he doesn't act like Curt Schilling. He talks a big game and then he clammed up when he got the chance to speak his mind in front of Congress. Have some guts Jon, and don't give in to the powers at be— Cranapple
- Wrong - people make a big deal about someone NOT being a career politician and it is dead wrong. First off, a novice rarely gets anything done in Congress. If you don't have connections you can't get anything. Second, the day after he is elected he is no longer an outsider but a politician trying to get re-elected. Third, unless he is willing to spend millions of his own money to get elected he will be beholden to SOME special interest. You just hope it is one that aligns with your values. But back to the point. Just what has he ever led? What makes you believe that he could lead? Has he ever created a successful business? Served anywhere other than the overpaid NFL? There is not one shred of evidence to suggest he would be any good at all!— Malcolm65
- Career politicians: Frank, Specter, Hatch, Pelosi, Boehner, McCain Regular humans: John Runyan Yeah...Runyan has my vote. I'd rather an unpolished, "speak my mind" type than one of those clowns listed above. Time for new blood— phillyjhawk
- Now that I see what simple minded ideas that Republicans think it takes to be an effective politician, I can understand how some people get into office. John Runyan does a mediocre job talking about football let alone something he knows little about. He'd be an embarressment. The fact that he thinks that he's qualified shows that he has a huge ego. No, John, you're not even close to qualified and you're ignorance in thinking so is an insult to the Republican candidates who have actually prepared to be in Congress. And the reason that a novice never gets anything done is because they are out ranked by career politicians. Key posts are handed out based on seniority.— MikeP
- Career politician??? The people backing Runyan are all corrupt GOP machines. Burlington County GOP is one of the most corrupt organizations in NJ. Run away Mr. Runyan! They will get you entangled in a web of corruption and you wont even know it.— BCdad
- Comment removed.
