Getting a black robe in Philly is a tall order and a very expensive one at that. You know what I mean, a Philly judgeship. The openings come few and far between, and when they do, you better have a darn near perfect strategy and heavy campaign war chest in order to get fitted.

Well, it appears lately there is a lot of openings occurring for various reasons, in different courts. With the recent announcement by PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH of the nomination of Philly Common Pleas PRESIDENT JUDGE C. DARNELL JONES; with the recent elevation of C.P. JUDGE JANE CUTLER GREENSPAN; with the unfortunate removal of Municipal Court JUDGE DEBBIE GRIFFIN; with Traffic Court JUDGE WILLIE SINGLETARY facing serious ethical violations and possible removal; plus just the plain old openings that occur with attrition, it is a robust time for wannabes and, of course, those famous judicial election consultants.

With these openings will come some probable Gubernatorial appointments, and a few of them should go to the Elephants. Like Santa Claus, BIG MIKE MEEHAN will be checking his list, as will BIG BOB BRADY. Both of them probably wish there had never occurred an opening, considering the migraine it causes them.

With Jones getting a Federal appointment this will make an already interesting DA race even tastier. You could hear the champagne corks popping in SETH WILLIAMS’ camp when Bush named Jones. Once again it will be interesting to see what white Demo candidate emerges other than attorney DAN McCAFFERY, who could be the guy in the right place at the right time. But a head-to-head faceoff with Seth could be tough. It seems like Seth has been preparing for this since his diaper days.

Olde Anglesea was teeming once again this past weekend at the famous Keenan’s watering hole for the Brady Bunch gathering of loyal Donkeys and hangers-on and also people looking for a favor or two. Looked like the usual suspects on hand, like every year.

The GOP host with the most, Ward Leader MIKE CIBIK, just gathered a few of his favorite Elephants at his lush Center City digs for a summer party last week. Good time was had by all and what a view from the rooftop deck of the river! See ya next week!!