"They respect each other intellectually, get together for lunch about once a month, and talk fairly often," one source said of Street and Katz. Street wants Nutter to lose, knows a Republican can't beat him, and sees Katz as a viable Democratic challenger, the source said.
"The issues facing Philadelphia are significant," and Street and others in the former mayor's orbit believe "there should be significant debate," the source said.
Street and Nutter have had a sometimes-rocky relationship, and the incumbent has been sharply critical of Street's role as chairman of the Philadelphia Housing Authority board. Federal authorities are investigating secret settlements of sexual-harassment suits against PHA Executive Director Carl H. Greene, as well as allegations that agency managers and vendors were asked to solicit money to honor Greene.
Neither Street nor Katz responded to requests for comment Friday. Nutter's spokesman, Doug Oliver, declined to comment.
Several sources who have spoken with Katz recently said that he had not made a decision. He has been producing a documentary on the history of Philadelphia.
U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, also chairman of the city Democratic Party, said he met with Katz about six weeks ago. Brady described it as a courtesy call requested by Katz, who told him he was considering the race.
"I told him I'm supporting the mayor," Brady said. "In fact, I gave Michael Nutter a fund-raiser Tuesday night."
Katz is responding to a "certain dissatisfaction" with Nutter among some business leaders who think the mayor has not been bold enough in trying to change city government, said a source who has spoken with Katz.
