Mr. Runyan goes to Washington

If the U.S. Congress ever decides to start a football team, they have a pretty good right tackle.

Jon Runyan is going to Washington.

The massive man who manned the right side of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line for years last night rode the GOP wave that washed over the region and nation, showing incumbent Democratic Congressman John Adler the door.

I have no idea what kind of credentials Runyan brings to the table to represent the people in New Jersey’s Third District.

The former pro football player pushed his image as an “everyman,” tapping into an angry electorate that was concerned about the economy, jobs and what they see as out-of-control spending in Washington.

Runyan becomes part of the Red Tide that rolled over the nation, sweeping the GOP back into control of the U.S. House, and cutting into the Democratic margin in the Senate.

The mess in Washington is a huge task. It will take a big man to tackle it. At least in that respect, they’ve got the right man.

Runyan, who stands 6-foot-7, will cast an imposing figure in D.C. We can only hope he’s as effective in cutting spending as he was in protecting Donovan McNabb’s right side.

In fact, this will be something of a reunion, with Runyan heading to Capitol Hill even as McNabb finds himself under siege as quarterback of the troubled Washington Redskins.

Maybe Donovan should consider politics.

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