Street endorses Rendell for state's top post

Mayor John Street gave gubernatorial candidate and former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell's campaign a big boost yesterday morning when he offered the Democrat his endorsement.

Amid the Rendell supporters and local city officials gathered at Center City's Loews Hotel, Street called Rendell "the most qualified of all the potential candidates to be the next chief executive of our state."

Rendell, a Penn alumnus, will be facing off against Auditor General Bob Casey Jr. in the May Democratic primaries.

During Rendell's eight years as Philadelphia mayor he worked closely with Street, who then served as City Council president. However, although Rendell was a key supporter of Street in Street's 1999 mayoral run, the two did not support each other in the 1991 election when Rendell ran for mayor and Street vied for a Council seat.

"We didn't support one another in '91, but we always respected the things we had achieved in the political arena," Rendell commented.

The years the two men spent working together led some to expect that Street would offer his support for Rendell.

"Former Mayor Rendell gave very important support to Street in Street's campaign, so I think there's an element of reciprocity," Political Science Department Chairman Jack Nagel said. "They worked together very closely in Rendell's administration, so it is quite natural that the support would be continued."

Casey spokesman Troy Colbert was not surprised at Street's announcement, claiming it was to be expected that "the current mayor of Philadelphia would endorse the former mayor of Philadelphia."

However, Colbert contends that Casey still supports Street's efforts as mayor.

"The more important thing is that Bob still has a tremendous amount of support for Mayor Street," Colbert said. "Casey is looking forward to working with the mayor."

While Rendell has emphasized his success and recognition in Philadelphia during his campaign, there has been speculation that his reputation would not extend to other areas of the state where Casey's name is well-recognized. Nonetheless, Rendell hopes that Street's endorsement will have an impact outside the city,ÿas well as within it.

"This isn't just John Street's endorsement," Rendell said. "He will work hard and reach out to voters all across the state."

Over the past month, Rendell has also received notable endorsements from Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy and the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.

Casey is a pro-life candidate.

But despite Rendell's close ties to Philadelphia, Casey has managed to garner some support within the city.

Last month, both the city's Fire Fighters' Union and 19 Philadelphia Ward leaders endorsed Casey's bid for governor. While the leaders are disappointed at Street's decision to endorse Rendell, they remain skeptical as to the effect the decision will have on the city's voters.

"I don't think [Street's endorsement] will affect the outcome one way or another... It doesn't have a major effect on the Philadelphia political scene," said Vincent Lowry, the Democratic leader of the city's 55th voting ward.

Still, Street asked Philadelphia's voters to give their support to Rendell in the upcoming primaries.

"This is a great opportunity to send one of our own to the governor's mansion," he said after the conference.

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