It's Obvious Fattah Will Race In '07

by Rory G. McGlasson

Congressman Chaka Fattah officially opened his "Fattah for Mayor Exploratory Committee" headquarters in Center City this week, leaving little doubt he is going to be in the race to win the Democratic Mayoral Primary in '07.

The work of the 'Exploratory Committee' is to find enough reasons for Chaka to jump into the arena. But, the look of the Committee headquarters on the 11th floor of 1429 Locust Street looked as if he had already announced. It had all the trappings of a campaign committee in high gear.

That makes three who have indicated they are in the race. First to do so was Controller Jonathan Saidel who gave up a lock on that seat to clear his decks for the '07 race. The second was businessman Tom Knox, who announced his intentions at a public fund raiser and now the congressman.

Chaka's increased public appearances underline his intention.

Last Saturday he attended a grant awards ceremony at the Francisville Civic Ass'n, spoke at the 40th Anniversary celebration of Pastor Albert F. Campbell at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, with an afternoon windup at the House of Umoja's Day of Community service celebration in West Philadelphia.

Amid it all, he squeezed in a short endorsement speech as Gov. Ed Rendell launched his re-election campaign in Fairmount.

Fattah was evidently proud of three promotional videos shown to his volunteers, staffers and guests as the FMEC team. FMEC Director of Public Relations Solomon Jones said he put the videos together with the help of Banyan Productions, to help underscore the value of a Fattah in the mayor's seat.

The promotional video entitled "Chaka Fattah: A Philadelphia Story" is one of a number of videos FMEC has made available on the web at www.phillyforfattah.com.

"It looks and feels like a campaign team," said Asia Coney, president of Tenant Support Services Inc. "I think, come November, we'll all know for sure who is in this race. Right now it's a little too early to tell."

Former City Controller Jonathan Saidel is expected to formally announce his intentions at his birthday party, Jun. 22, held at the Allied Trades Hall in Northeast Philadelphia.

Expected to enter the race, but not until the general election results are announced are Rep. Dwight Evans and Labor leader John J. Dougherty, Jr.

Rumors and reports indicate State Sen. Anthony Williams is receiving encouragement in certain circles and is considering his options as is Philadelphia Mural Arts Director Jane Golden.