It was the only race that threatened the status quo, as Democrats or other incumbent Republicans took all Council seats and row offices.
As expected, all 14 Democratic Council candidates - including newcomers Bill Green, Curtis J. Jones Jr., and Maria Quinones Sanchez - were elected yesterday. Incumbent Democrat Donna Reed Miller trounced three opponents in the Eighth District even after two joined forces to defeat her.
Kelly's fellow Republicans on Council, Brian J. O'Neill in the 10th District and at-large member Frank Rizzo, both won. Five Republicans and five Democrats run for a total of seven at-large seats, with Republicans always scrapping for the two spots reserved for the minority party.
Kelly, an ally of Mayor Street's with strong union backing, was viewed as the incumbent most vulnerable to Oh's challenge, as Rizzo's familiar name guaranteed a winning number of votes.
Kelly had projected himself first and foremost in the campaign as an animal lover, drawing on his work to improve the city's shelter and strive for a "no-kill" policy.
Kelly's spokesman, Frank Keel, said: "We understand that this thing is going to come down to the wire. The likelihood is there is going to be a recount and we'll see what happens tomorrow, but we remain optimistic."
Oh, the son of Korean immigrants, sought to challenge the Republican and Democratic establishments as a reform-minded candidate. It was his second bid for Council.
"It looks like we're going to win," Oh said late last night, predicting that the remaining precincts would come in for him. "I'm hoping Philadelphia gets a chance at a fair shake and a better future."
