Politicians, like rock stars, took the mic and tried to shine last night.

At the Centre County Republican Dinner, Congressman and political candidates, along with their crews, mingled with many of State College's politically aware at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

People walked up and down the long hall during the reception, adorning stickers of their favorite candidates, while the media waited near the VIP reception room for the candidates to make their appearance in front of scribbling pens and camera lights.

U.S. Rep. John Peterson was one of the first to step out, and fielded questions surrounding the governor race -- a campaign that includes Bill Scranton, a former lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania; Jim Panyard, a conservative activist and former military member; and Lynn Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver.

"I'm personally supporting Scranton," he said. "I think he's the most prepared."

Penn State College Republicans President Vicky Cangelosi and Vice Chairman Seth Bender were both there, along with other members.

"We always encourage members of the club to meet the Republican candidates from the local, state and national level," Cangelosi said. "And it's a great opportunity to hear the candidates before the primary."

Bender said that one of the goals of the club is to spend time and energy for the Republican Party.

"I came to hear what they have to say and lend my support," he said.

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Scranton was next to step out the VIP room and said he was ready for his campaign but would "lend his support to the winner, of course."

Next, Lynn Swann walked through the front door. Every camera spun toward him.

One journalist asked what made him think he could win.

"Because Ronny Reagan did it," he said.

At that point, the dinner room opened and the attendees filed in and found their seats. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and a prayer, U.S. Senator Rick Santorum was introduced.

Santorum took the stage under a banner that read "Rick Santorum -- Class of 1980," and called attending Penn State one of the best experiences of his life.

"Except I feel like I'm in a different town," he said, referring to the facelift State College has undergone since his time here.

Santorum spoke about rural Pennsylvania and the attention it needs for its residents.

"Most of rural Pennsylvania is not as blessed as State College," he said.

Santorum said that he knew he was a renegade senator and that he had been called every name in the book.

"I know I have a bull's-eye on my back," he said.

At the end of his speech, Santorum said America was the greatest country, and the crowd rose to their feet, applauding.

Following Santorum, the Republican candidates for the 77th district, which includes part of State College, each gave their three-minute speeches. The race includes 26-year-old State College resident Matt Shaner and self-proclaimed bus driver Ken Bailey, from Phillipsburg.

Then it was time for the gubernatorial candidates to face-off.

Scranton was first and said he wanted to improve the economy in Pennsylvania.

"[Pennsylvania] is 47th in economic growth," he said.

Scranton added he was disappointed that Swann had decided not to debate Jim Panyard and himself on PCN-TV Wednesday.

Panyard stepped on stage next and reasserted what Scranton said about the debate. He also outlined his issues in one sentence.

"I'm 100 percent pro-life, pro-gun and pro-God," he said, to a round of applause.

When the applause died, Swann was introduced and took his place at the podium.

"I feel like I should have my jersey on," he said. "I sense a little bit of competition in the air."

Swann spoke about issues such as capping government spending and, in retort to the two other gubernatorial candidates, said that, historically, a debate has never occurred before the endorsement process -- and that's the reason he decided not to accept the invitation. He added that he was not running just because it was fun or because it was fashionable.

The real reason he was in the race, Swann said, was because he thought he could win.

"If you can't win, you can't govern," he said.