Summarized by Kent Larsen

Associated Press Says Young Would Be Strong Candidate, If He Runs

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA -- LDS Football Star Steve Young's invocation at the Republican National Convention last night led the Associated Press' Theimer to speculate on the possibility that Young will enter politics. And Theimer discovers that the GOP would love to have him. Republicans say that Young would bring name recognition, intelligence, media savvy and morality to public office.

"He certainly has the opportunity to pursue either federal or state office in either state," said North Salt Lake City delegate Ron Fox, who is executive director of George W. Bush's campaign in Utah. "I kind of see this as Steve Young's coming-out party within the Republican Party."

Some in California believe he would even be a good candidate to challenge California Governor Gray Davis, a Democrat. California Assemblyman Bruce Thompson, a friend of Young's, says he has talked to fellow Republicans about the possibility. Republicans are short on someone with the name recognition and money to face Davis.

But Thompson admits that realistically the governor's race would be "way too big" for Young. A congressional race would be better. "He's a star in the area where Republicans are the weakest and that's the Bay area, and I don't know that you can get a lot of mileage once he leaves the Bay area," Thompson said. "I mean, the name recognition is going to be there, but Californians are very wise. They'll stop and they'll say, `Who is this guy really?"'

Still, California Secretary of State Bill Jones says he would like to see Young run for a statewide office. He's "obviously an outstanding individual in the sports area, and as far as I know he is a fine individual personally and professionally,"

Delegates weren't certain if Young would end up running for office in California or in Utah, feeling he could succeed in either place. Young hasn't said anything about his career plans, let alone any political races, and declined the Associated Press' request for comment.

Source:
Could politics be next for Steve Young?
Raleigh NC News & Observer (AP) 3Aug00 S2
By Sharon Theimer: Associated Press