Once considered a top contender in the upcoming Philadelphia mayoral election, former City Controller Jonathan Saidel announced yesterday that he is abandoning his bid to become the city's next mayor.
"As I thought about the race, what it would take to win and the impact it would have on my ability to earn a living and take care of my family, I realized that I could not be as committed to the race as I would need to be," Saidel said in a statement released to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Saidel reportedly was planning to announce his candidacy officially early next year, and he opened a campaign office last Monday.
There has also been speculation that longtime friend U.S. Rep. Bob Brady -- whose position as chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Committee would have given him a sizeable advantage - intends to enter the race.
But Saidel told the Inquirer that Brady's possible presence on the ballot had no effect on his move.
As of yet, there are only three officially declared candidates - former Councilman Michael Nutter, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and businessman Tom Knox.
Union head John Dougherty, state Rep. Dwight Evans and Brady have also expressed interest in running.
