Rendell officially takes top DNC job

The mayor will head the Democrats' fundraising efforts for the 2000 race. After a week of wooing by President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell officially accepted his nomination to head up the Democratic National Committee yesterday. Clinton offered Rendell the position Wednesday night and members of the DNC are scheduled to vote him in tomorrow. According to insiders, Rendell was chosen specifically for his fundraising skills. As general chairperson of the committee, he will spearhead intensive fundraising efforts for the 2000 elections and serve as the main party spokesperson. The party has become increasingly concerned about the financial momentum of the Republican presidential frontrunner, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who has raised about $50 million. Gore, the Democratic presidential favorite, has taken in less than half that amount. Rendell had several conditions upon accepting the job, including that he would not have to travel extensively during his final three months as mayor. Rendell has raised about $14 million for his two mayoral campaigns and has taken in millions more for the Clinton-Gore campaigns, the DNC and state and local democratic campaigns. Last June, he held a Gore fundraiser in Philadelphia that collected $450,000. David L. Cohen, Rendell's former chief of staff and close advisor, said his former boss has "extraordinary fundraising capabilities." "This should be an enormously proud moment for the city," Cohen said. Referring to his upcoming fundraising goals, Rendell said yesterday in Washington, D.C., that he plans to "collect as much as we can legally raise." Despite his move from Philadelphia to a prominent national position, Rendell says the new job will not interfere with his final three months as mayor. "No one in Philadelphia will be shortchanged," he said. And mayoral spokesperson Kevin Feeley said Rendell "will serve out every day of his term." The new position also will not interfere with Rendell's plans to teach at Penn next semester. He is still scheduled to teach two urban politics classes next semester, according to University President Judith Rodin. Rodin said that teaching will be "something Rendell will do in addition to [the DNC position] but not instead of." She added that she spoke with Rendell last week about the teaching position. Rendell has been close to Gore -- who once dubbed him "America's mayor" -- for years, and he endorsed Gore for president long ago. Now as the party leader, Rendell also tried to voice some support for Gore's only Democratic opponent, former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley, calling him a good friend. The popular Rendell has long had higher political aspirations. His close relationship with Gore could result in a Cabinet-level post if the vice president wins the presidency, and Rendell is also mulling a run for Pennsylvania governor in 2002. Cohen said this job will only improve Rendell's opportunities in the future. "The places you can go after being a successful chair of the DNC are almost unlimited," Cohen observed. Rendell was previously asked to chair the DNC in 1994, during his first mayoral term. Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, the outgoing chairperson, will take on a new role: head of the Democratic National Convention Committee. The new job means that Rendell will likely spend next August promoting the Democrats during the Republican National Convention, which he helped lure to Philadelphia. He remains committed to raising money for the event, which will likely draw tens of thousands of people and millions of dollars to the region. The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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