Clinton to visit Phila. for DNC fundraiser

Michael BrusMichael BrusThe Daily Pennsylvanian President Clinton plans to spend an evening in Philadelphia next month to raise money for the Democratic National Committee, whose coffers are still hurting from the 1996 election. The October 8 gala -- to be held at the new CoreStates Center -- will also feature Mayor Ed Rendell, as well as the area's top-dollar contributors to the Democratic Party. "We expect the president to be here," said Rendell spokesperson David Yarkin. "This [event] is basically a service by Rendell for the president." As one of its responses to allegations of campaign-finance scandals, DNC officials will allow more reporters and photographers to the October fundraiser that the customary one or two pool reporters. White House representatives were unavailable for comment yesterday. Rendell and Clinton have long enjoyed a close professional and personal relationship, and rumors circulated in the last campaign that the popular mayor would join the Clinton cabinet. Although Rendell repeatedly stressed that he would serve out his term as mayor, Philadelphia law bars him from running for a third term -- meaning he will be out of office by the year 2000 and eligible for future presidential cabinets. Clinton's last major visit to Philadelphia was for the April Volunteer Summit, during which he was joined by former Presidents Bush, Ford and Carter, along with First Ladies Hillary Rodham Clinton, Nancy Reagan and Lady Bird Johnson. Retired Gen. Colin Powell served as chairperson of the event, which was held outside Independence Hall and in the Philadelphia Convention Center. And in the midst of the last presidential campaign, Clinton visited Penn last October for the first time. Speaking on Hill Field, he delivered a 15-minute speech to thousands of students, faculty and University employees. During the address, Clinton urged students to "think about your tomorrows" and spoke of his educational initiatives. University President Judith Rodin, Rendell, congressional candidate Joe Hoeffel and Drexel University President Constantine Papadakis also attended the April rally. As security precaution for the Penn rally, occupants of the north side of Hill House were forced to keep their windows closed for an entire day, and Hill Field was closed for two blocks in every direction during the speech.