City Hall Sam On Philly’s GOP … & More
If FRANNY RIZZO were to run for Lieutenant Governor, he would have to resign his position as Councilman at Large in the Philadelphia City Council. If he won, he, of course, would not go back to City Council. If he lost, next year (2011) is the year for City Council to run for office, so Rizzo, in the worst-case scenario, would be out of office only a year.
If Rizzo were to win for Lieutenant Governor, that would create two Republican vacancies for Councilman at Large. The two current Republican incumbents are JACK KELLY and Rizzo. Kelly’s public image has been damaged by the libel suit which he recently lost. You will recall when he first got elected that people thought they were voting for GRACE KELLY’S brother, also named “Jack Kelly”.
So the perception that his position as a Councilman at Large is vulnerable is apparent to people who wish to run for elective office. Consequently there should be a big turnout for Council at Large on the Republican side. Three years ago DAVID OH lost by 100 votes for the second position. He has given every indication he will be seeking this office again. JAMIE McDERMOTT, executive director of the Delaware River Port Authority, was a strong competitor in the same election. Consequently, you can expect him to run again. The former STATE REP. GEORGE KENNEY has indicated he is considering running for a Council at Large seat, as is AL TAUBENBERGER, who most recently ran for Mayor as a Republican.
The Public Record’s annual banquet will be held this evening.
Rumors continue to fly that BILL GREEN (the Councilman) would like to take a shot at Mayor in 2011.
On Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., STATE REP. JOHN SABATINA will be holding a cocktail reception to support his reelection bid at Ladder 15 at 1528 Sansom Street in Center City. Contributions are a reasonable $100 to $500. John’s father is the ward leader in the 56th Ward and year after year he’s been upping his majority. Very often his is the leading ward in the Northeast for the Democrats.
