LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Count John Smoltz among those who were surprised about the details of a report that indicated the Republican Party may approach him to campaign to become a U.S. congressman.
Atlanta-Journal Constitution political insider Jim Galloway reported on Saturday that Republicans are thinking about approaching Smoltz to run for the congressional seat that will be vacated when U.S. Rep. John Linder retires at the end of his current term.
When asked about this report that was based on information Galloway received from a source in Washington, D.C., Smoltz immediately indicated he felt there was a mixup, and then playfully said that he was sure a number of his friends were having some fun with this information.
While spending 21 of his 22 Major League seasons with the Braves, Smoltz established himself as a highly respected figure who, according to the AJC, has assisted with campaigns staged by U.S. Rep. Tom Price and U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.
Smoltz, who pitched for the Red Sox and Cardinals last season, is still keeping the door open to pitch again.
The 42-year-old right-hander is currently working out in Atlanta, with the intent to be ready to pitch if a Major League club were to present a desired opportunity within the next month or possibly during the final months of the season.
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Source: MLB.com