Part of the power of incumbency is that you get to preside over popular official events. So while Gov. Ed Rendell could help Ben Franklin (represented by Ralph Archbold) blow out the 300 candles on the esteemed elder statesman's birthday cake at the National Constitution Center Tuesday morning, his Republican opponents were preparing for a more serious event.

In the Wanamaker Crystal Tea Room that night, the Philadelphia Federation of Young Republicans (PFOYR) hosted a forum to introduce to their members Republican gubernatorial candidates Bill Scranton Jr. and Lynn Swann, as well as Jim Matthews, who is running for lieutenant governor.

Neither Scranton nor Swann have made clear their stance on the issues so the event offered an opportunity for youngish Republicans—as well as senior types and Democratic plants—to listen and learn. However, the fire alarm went off during Matthews' opening remarks. When it became apparent that there was no fire and no immediate danger, attendees drifted back to the bar.

The PFOYR was formed last spring as a vehicle to energize the city's Republican party, according to president Kevin Kelly, who estimated that more than 500 people attended the event.

There were various levels of support for Scranton, the son of former Gov. Bill Scranton who served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Dick Thornburgh, and for Swann, who, with no political background, is best known as a Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Washingtonian lobbyist Sean Reilly said he is supporting Scranton because the candidate is "good for the Republican party by infusing new energy and talent. It's an opportunity for Republicans to change nationally—like in Washington. It's time for ethical reform because people don't trust government anymore."

Of the pro-choice Scranton, Republican ward leader and fundraiser Matthew Wolfe said, "I wouldn't call Scranton a "moderate Republican.' Scranton is a "progressive' Republican. There are idiots who think liberals are progressive but progressives have new ideas and take chances on economic issues."

Wolfe seemed confident that Scranton would get the Republican State Committee's nomination next month. "Scranton will win the Southwest, clearly Delaware County and Philly is leaning towards him," said Wolfe. "Of course, Chester County will lean toward Swann because of the Alan Novak influence and I don't know about Bucks."

The Northwest caucus, headed up by Ash Khare, endorsed Swann last week.

Some, such as former assistant district attorney and narcotics prosecutor Scott Sigman, now at the firm of Bochetto and Lentz, were undecided. "I'm just checking things out," he said.

Before the fire alarm went off, Kelly had time to thank some of the event sponsors, including candy magnate Bob Asher, who was not there. Still, it would be interesting to know whom he is supporting, since in 2004 Asher wielded considerable influence to get the state Republican Party to endorse Tom Corbett for Attorney General instead of Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor. (Castor prohibited Asher's appointment to the SEPTA board of directors due to a felony conviction.)

Matthews, the chairman of the Board of Commissioners in Montgomery County and the older brother of CNN's Hardball pundit Chris Matthews, got a few words in before the crowd scattered. "I want to put an end to the fear of property tax for seniors who cannot afford to pay these taxes," he said. "This is not the American dream. And while we attract large numbers of students to the region, we must stop exporting them."

Jeff Jubelier is supporting Swann as is his father, Robert Jubelier, president pro tempore of the state Senate. The younger Jubelier says that Swann is a fresh face for the party, "but I don't agree with everything he says."

"He's pro-life and conservative, but we need some new breath in Harrisburg, especially with property taxes," he said. "I personally like Rendell, although he has a hard time getting anything done, and he has his weaknesses. Like his Eagles gig. People in Johnstown think all Rendell cares about is Philadelphia and the Eagles … that he's the governor of just five counties."

While Swann is black, it has been historically difficult in this state for minorities to get elected to statewide office. Jubelier, however, doesn't see a problem with that in this campaign.

"Swann," he said, "transcends race."