Vignola Pulling Out Of Mayoral Sweepstakes

By S. A. Paolantonio, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: November 28, 1990

Former City Controller Joseph C. Vignola yesterday became the first casualty in the intense jockeying of the 1991 Democratic mayoral primary, deciding not to run to succeed Mayor Goode.

Vignola said his political action committee, Leadership for Philadelphia's Tomorrow, would continue to raise money to help select alternative candidates for City Council and other city offices up for re-election next year.

At a Center City news conference, Vignola said he decided not to seek the mayor's office because he thought he could have a greater effect "on the issues facing this city" if he were not a candidate. He did not rule out running for a City Council at-large seat.

Democratic leaders said Vignola was unable to assemble the kind of citywide support needed in a mayoral campaign with such a large field.

Vignola is close to two mayoral prospects - former District Attorney Edward G. Rendell and U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Foglietta, both of whom would compete for the same votes and money. Foglietta and Vignola are from South Philadelphia.

A recent citywide poll by Temple University Professor Michael Hooper showed Vignola at the bottom of the list of potential Democratic mayoral candidates, preferred by only 3 percent of the registered Democrats polled.

Vignola said the poll had nothing to do with his decision.

Vignola said he did not know which candidate he would support for the 1991 Democratic mayoral nomination.

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