Rodin toys with idea of running for Specter's Senate seat

Following in the footsteps of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), who recently entered the 1996 presidential race, University President Judith Rodin yesterday announced plans to mount a Senate campaign of her own. She said she is "toying with the idea" of seeking Specter's seat, adding that she expects to continue in her various capacities as president of the University during the upcoming race. "I didn't have enough to do on campus," Rodin said, explaining that in seven months on the job, she has already implemented administrative restructuring, developed a master safety plan, started planning for the Perelman Quadrangle and made all the major appointments in the President's Office. "I was ready for a new challenge, and besides, Washington is so much more exciting than West Philadelphia," she added. Rodin also said she will delegate key day-to-day responsibilities to Provost Stanley Chodorow in anticipation of having to spend more time away from campus than she currently does. "I relish the challenges of my job," Chodorow said when asked about Rodin's decision to drop her hat into the ring. "Taking on these additional duties just puts me more in control of students' lives, since they don't know what's good for themselves anyway." Rodin's political ambitions have been a subject of speculation since she arrived at the University last summer. Her decision to participate in the contest for membership in the nation's "most elite club," as the Senate is often characterized, has generated mixed feelings on campus. Assistant Vice President for Policy Planning and Federal Relations David Morse -- who spends at least one day each week on Capitol Hill with Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation -- said he is enthusiastic about Rodin's plans. "Having Dr. Rodin in the delegation would be fantastic for Penn," Morse said. "With federal funding for higher education in jeopardy because of the Republicans' eagerness to cut spending, another Democrat -- who is also an academic -- would be wonderful to have on the Hill." Board of Trustees Chairperson Roy Vagelos, however, said he strongly disagreed with Rodin's entry into the political arena. "It took a year-long search just to find her and bring her here, and we pay her to spend time on campus," Vagelos said. "Why she has chosen to do this after such a short time at Penn I'll never know." Vagelos added that because Rodin's senatorial run may present a conflict of interest, the Board will consider a resolution on the situation during its June meetings. Rodin said she looks forward to hobnobbing with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She said she would also like to introduce First Daughter Chelsea Clinton to her son, Alex Neijelow. Neijelow, however, had other plans. "Ewwww," he said when asked if he was interested in dating Chelsea Clinton. "I'd rather kiss Socks."