ELEPHANT CORNER: Fattah, A Study In Arrogance; Garry Cobb Enters Political Game

A study in arrogance –- the federal probe of CONGRESSMAN CHAKA FATTAH, a 20-year veteran of the US House of Representatives, shows what happens when politicians lose their perspective and see themselves as elite, entitled to live way beyond the means of those who put them in office.

A large part of Fattah’s constituents are poor people who, fortunately for Fattah (but unfortunately for them), almost blindly vote for the incumbent – if it is a Democrat. I spoke to a Republican who lives a few blocks away from West Philadelphia’s Clark Park, the venue for many civic events. This person has seen MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER, COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE BLACKWELL, STATE SEN. TONY WILLIAMS and even CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY (even though it is not within his district) in that park. Fattah does not need to show-up there (the park in his district), as he is a shoo-in. He has one of the safest seats for a Democrat in the US. But guess what: This is also a safe seat for Blackwell, Williams and any Democrat running for Mayor; yet they come to see their constituents.

Fattah, who has made over over six figures for 20 years as a Congressman, may have abused campaign-finance funding and charitable organizations to which he affiliated to pay for his son’s education and other personal uses. Fattah’s former Chief of Staff GREGORY NAYLOR admitted his guilt in number of illegal campaign finance activities for an unnamed “Elected Official A”. Most people familiar with the situation believe Elected Official A is Fattah.

The sad story is Fattah will probably get reelected even if he is indicted before November. The Republicans have a solid candidate in ARMOND JAMES, who really cares about the people in the district and does not see them as a means to and end. James teaches at-risk children. He is role model for his students. But equally important, he understands the issues. Is he not a better voice for the people in the Pennsylvania 2nd Congressional Dist.?

Another Philadelphia Eagle has stepped up to run for US Congress. Four years ago we saw JON RUNYON run in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional Dist. Runyon has decided not to run again this year, which is sad because I believe he would win. GARRY COBB, 11-year NFL veteran and former Eagles defensive player, has stepped up to the plate (sorry, wrong sport) to run in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional Dist. seat vacated by retiring Democrat BOB ANDREWS. Andrews has been dogged by ethical issues.

Cobb, who lives in Cherry Hill for two decades, is a native of Stamford, Conn and was a four-year linebacker at the University of Southern California. Since leaving the Eagles he has been a sportscaster. He has also been involved in many civic organizations including the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, the Caring People Alliance of Philadelphia, the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia and the South Jersey Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Cobb supports a smaller, less-intrusive government that defends capitalism and private property rights, and provides for the common defense. Cobb is a great candidate but will be facing an uphill battle in this Democratic-leaning district. But Cobb knows how to put up a fight – he played with Buddy Ryan’s feared 46-Defense: JEROME BROWN, SETH JOINER and REGGIE WHITE.