Lynn Swann's name recognition may prove a powerful asset to his Republican gubernatorial campaign, but his lack of experience is a cause for concern among some local political supporters.

Melissa Walters, campaign spokeswoman for Lynn Swann, said that name recognition is vital to a successful candidacy and that Swann's former career as an NFL football player and ABC sports broadcaster is beneficial for the campaign.

"It will help him because he has name ID, and his name ID is associated with winning, which certainly isn't a bad thing in a political campaign," she said.

Swann's familiar status in Pennsylvania is extremely powerful in the election process, said Centre County Republican Party Chairman G.T. Thompson.

"A high level of name recognition is usually the first hurdle that any candidate in any race they're in has to cross," Thompson said.

However, Bob Shepherd, chairman of the Centre County Democratic Committee, said that although name recognition is powerful, it cannot win an election. "He's never served in public office. He has no political experience," Shepherd said. "Some people at least realize that having name recognition and being able to make a good speech does not make a good public official."

Shepherd said Gov. Ed Rendell's vast experience in public office will be his greatest advantage over Swann.

"Experience -- wide, broad and deep," he said. "Rendell is a very impressive guy."

Rendell spokesman Abe Amoros affirmed experience as Rendell's major advantage in the upcoming election.

"First of all, the governor is experienced," he said. "He has experience dealing with difficult issues and has a track record of success."

Pennsylvania residents know that Rendell has created 62,000 jobs in 2005 alone and has put $200 million toward pre-kindergarten classes, teacher training and making class sizes smaller, Amoros said.

Alex Smith, president of College Democrats, said Rendell not only has the experience, but is also respected and has popularity nationwide.

"Other than Rudy Giuliani, I think Rendell is America's mayor. He has national recognition, he is well-liked throughout the state, he has real political skills and political experience, not only in the governor's office but also as the mayor of Philadelphia," Smith said. "Lynn Swann's a gamble. He doesn't really bring experience to the table."

However, College Republicans President Vicky Cangelosi said Swann has a different outlook on economic policy and social issues.

"Swann is much more fiscally conservative," Cangelosi said. "He is looking for ways to save money and spend less money instead of increasing taxes and spending more."

Thompson said Swann does have some experience in public office. Swann was appointed chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and in 2004, he served as the chairman of the Bush re-election campaign with the African-American Coalition, Thompson said.

Coming from the private sector, Swann is not a career politician, but he is coming into the race from a different point of view, Walters said.

"He truly believes that he can bring in a fresh perspective that someone who has been ingrained in government their entire life can't bring," he said.