(The Center Square) — In May, Gov. Josh Shapiro embarked on a weeklong family RV trip to promote the state’s new tourism brand, “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.”
Speaking at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders baseball stadium, the governor wanted to show off “the opportunity we have when it comes to tourism and when it comes to economic development.”
With stops in Philadelphia to promote urban tourism and lake visits to boost outdoor recreation, Shapiro emphasized tourism as a central part of his administration’s economic development strategy.
As emails from the governor’s office obtained in a public records request show, though, there was one appearance the governor didn’t make, but did consider: on camera with retired Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce.
A draft, floated by Jacklin Rhoads, director of public affairs and marketing for the governor’s office, laid out an “Odd Couple of PA”-style video in an April 8 email.
“Jason Kelce and Josh Shapiro love to enjoy all Pennsylvania has to offer, are interested in the same things, but experience them in much different ways,” Rhoads noted in a concept overview. The video would have been “meant to be humorous and showcase PA’s eclectic tourism offerings.”
The video never happened, though other tourism videos were produced, one narrated by Broad City actress Abbi Jacobson.
The draft script would have featured Kelce and Shapiro bantering in a variety of Pennsylvania-themed locales.
The commercial would have opened at a Pennsylvania state park: “Ah, Pennsylvania,” Shapiro says, roasting a marshmallow, Kelce chopping wood, “where (it) all started. I think this fire could be hotter,” to Kelce.
The pair would then go hiking as Kelce takes the lead and the governor lags behind in a sweat. They would also be seen fly fishing, “Shapiro in traditional waders, waiting for a fish, Kelce catching fish with his bare hands — ‘that’s six for me!’”
Later, they would be seen in a sports bar fighting over each other’s food.
Walking down the main street in a small town, a passerby would throw out a “Go Birds” to the duo, prompting Shapiro to ask Kelce, “Have you been here before?”
Finishing the TV spot, they would end up in a race up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Shapiro wins and Kelce cracks open a Pennsylvania-brewed beer to settle the lost bet.
“Wraps: This is Pennsylvania. The Great American Getaway. Plan yours now. Gov. and Kelce cheers beers. Kelce chugs beer,” the draft script reads.
It’s not clear why the ad wasn’t made. Shapiro’s office declined to comment.
Kelce’s side, though, was initially interested in the idea of a commercial.
“Will be discussing with Jason this week,” a spokeswoman for Kelce wrote before receiving the draft. “He really likes the governor, but tries to stay out of anything political (even though this is about how great the state is!).”
