Candidates mull possible run for Phila. mayor

Although many assume that an eventual rematch between current Mayor John Street and Sam Katz is a foregone conclusion in the race for Philadelphia's next mayor, the primaries are still months away, leaving plenty of time for rival contenders to declare their intentions. Katz -- who announced his intention to run on Dec. 12 -- is likely to receive the endorsement of the Philadelphia Republican City Committee later this month. He is currently the only Republican to officially enter the race, but prominent lawyer and former Barnes Foundation president Richard Glanton has also expressed interest in running. Currently, Street is officially unopposed in the race within his party, but that could still change. One of Street's potential challengers in the Democratic primary is State Representative Dwight Evans, who lost to Street in the 1999 mayoral primary. Although uncommitted at this point, Evans said he is also considering a bid. "I still haven't decided if I intend to run," Evans said. "For now, I am just listening and talking to people." No matter how many opponents come forth, all will likely share dissatisfaction with Street and the resolve to defeat him -- whether he will prevail remains to be seen. Street was sworn in as mayor in January 2000 after the closest race in city history, defeating Katz by less than two percent of the vote. During his term, Street has made some commendable progress but experienced other stunning disappointments. His Neighborhood Transformation Initiative has made strides in improving the quality of life in city neighborhoods, but among his blunders is the loss of control of the city's parking authority to the state. The city deficit has also now reached unprecedentedly high levels. Despite these setbacks, Street's backers say he is confident. "He's not concerned about who, if anyone, will step forward to run against him in the primary," said Philadelphia Director of Communications Frank Keel, who is heading Street's re-election efforts. "Whoever decides to run against the mayor has a tough road ahead of them." Street "will not take anything for granted," Keel added. "He will run hard, he will run honestly and he will not engage in dirty politics, though I doubt that his challengers will take the high road." While Evans has not officially decided to challenge Street, he seems optimistic about the possibility. "I think that what is important is someone who is able to move the city forward," Evans said. "Somebody who can bring people together... who can put people first and not politics. I think that I have clearly demonstrated these qualities." Although Evans has refrained from direct criticism of Street, he would undoubtedly receive support from the Democratic faction dissatisfied with the mayor if he chooses to seek election. And despite his defeat in 1999, Evans said he thinks he has something new to add to the equation this time around. "I have learned a lot in the past couple years," he said. "I like to think that I have grown tremendously." Should Street progress to the general election, he will face a more formidable foe -- likely, his old Republican rival Katz. Katz has spent the years since his mayoral defeat as the CEO of Greater Philadelphia First, a prominent business and civic leadership organization that seeks to boost the city's economy and quality of life by attracting knowledge-based industries to the region. Katz is "someone who can attract people of all political inclinations," Philadelphia Republican City Committee Chairman Vito Canuso said. And as a former Democrat, many believe that Katz appeals to voters on both sides of the political tracks. "Most of the Republicans who have been successful in Philadelphia have been ex-democrats like Katz," Political Science Professor Jack Nagel said. "He's a sophisticated person who understands municipal finance," Nagel added. "He's not seen as a racist or someone who would disrespect civil liberties." Some feel that Glanton's identity as a prominent Republican and an African-American could help win him support. "I think that there is no indication that Katz can beat John Street under the current circumstances," Glanton said. "I have the skills, the ability and the identity." "I wouldn't preside over the city by losing control of everything in it," he added, referring to Street's leadership. Though Glanton has no shortage of confidence in his potential, he has had a more difficult time convincing the Republican City Committee. The GOP selection committee decided to support Katz on Dec. 12 after hearing presentations from both Glanton and Katz. The full Philadelphia Republican City Committee will meet in late January to decide which mayoral candidate to support, and while it is not bound to the decision of the selection committee, "I don't think that decision will be reversed," Canuso said. Glanton confirmed that he will not run without GOP backing, and given the situation, it likely means that he won't be running at all. He noted that the Philadelphia GOP has "a predisposition to endorse Katz," and that its decision was "presumptively made... but it can be unmade." Katz's "ventures into the political world have been unsuccessful," Glanton said. "This race is even more of a swinging-at-windmills operation." But Katz is hardly being quixotic -- even if he does see giants where there are windmills, so does the Republican City Committee. "Sam Katz is going to be the next mayor," Canuso said. "He knows better than anyone, having [run] before, what it takes to win, and we're looking for a winner." While most sequels notoriously pale in comparison to their precursors, a second race between Katz and Street, should it occur, is bound to exceed the first in both intensity and suspense. While Street has a full term of civic accomplishments behind him, Katz has the lessons of the last election to bear in mind and might successfully run on his recognized economic savvy in this time of fiscal crisis.