In response to a rival organization for the GOP's San Katz, a new group has started lauding the Democrat's virtues. John Street finally has some friends at Penn. A group of students calling themselves Friends of the Democratic Party -- whose primary purpose is to support the Democratic mayoral nominee -- was born this week, after intense campaigning by a student organization supporting Street's Republican opponent, Sam Katz. The pro-Street group -- currently composed of four founding members -- registered with the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life on Wednesday, just a day after a front-page Daily Pennsylvanian article publicized the Katz group and the lack of an equivalent Street organization. "I had been thinking about it," said Chief Coordinator Beth Harkavy, a College junior. "But reading the article and seeing [Penn for Katz] on Locust Walk was the catalyst." With the Philadelphia mayoral race speeding through its final weeks, it looked like Republican candidate Sam Katz might win the campus votes without a fight. Several Penn students work for his campaign office and the Penn for Katz group has about 60 active members -- many of whom have been out on Locust Walk soliciting support. Meanwhile, Street has had no Penn students in his campaign office and is without backing from even the school's College Democrats chapter. And before Tuesday, there was no campus organization working for Street. Earlier this week, a Street spokesperson even said that the campaign didn't feel the need to make an effort to attract Penn voters. But yesterday, Street spokesperson Ken Snyder -- who recently returned to Street's staff to help fix what many consider to be a faltering campaign -- stressed that the former City Council president does want Penn support. "Contrary to what you might have heard, we're very interested," Snyder said. However, the situation on campus mirrors the political atmosphere throughout the city, where Katz has increased the intensity of a typically uncompetitive race, pushing to become the first Republican mayor in 50 years. He has vigorously campaigned for months -- wooing voters in a city with a 7-2 Democratic edge -- while Street has kept a low profile since winning the Democratic primary in the spring. Harkavy said the group supports Street for his platform -- issues which include education reform, cutting crime and continuing economic growth. The organization was on Locust Walk Wednesday and yesterday registering voters and handing out Street information. According to Harkavy, about 35 people have shown interest in joining the group. But the Katz supporters didn't seem too concerned about the new table on the walk. "It's a small, not well-organized effort and the people running it aren't clear why they support John Street," Katz volunteer and College junior Cam Winton said. "[Street's campaign is] on the record saying they don't care about the Penn vote," added Penn for Katz founding member and Katz volunteer Patrick Ruffini, a College senior. Harkavy, who has also begun to volunteer in the Street office, said that "to this point Street has focused on other areas, not as much on Penn students." But she added that Streets campaign had been supportive of her efforts. Snyder said the campaign is pleased that a grassroots effort was developing. The College Democrats were not involved in the creation of the group but said they are a welcome addition to the Penn political landscape. "It's great we're finally going to have more than one organization," said College Democrats President Mark Christy, a College senior, who is supporting Katz.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
