Another candidate is Lauri Kavulich, a past chair of the Philadelphia Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which oversees city finances. "I have served the citizens of Philly as the chairman of PICA and protected their finances. I now plan on serving the citizens by protecting their streets, and their lives," she said.
Kavulich may have a leg up on her rivals: She was an adviser to the 2007 mayoral campaign of U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, chairman of the Democratic City Committee.
The committee's endorsement is routinely sought by most judicial candidates as many believe its backing helps turn out the vote in low-turnout elections such as these.
But it comes at a cost. For endorsed candidates, that used to be a $25,000 political contribution to the committee to pay its workers for their Election Day efforts. Then it grew to $35,000.
No word yet on the this year's price of admission.
- Marcia Gelbart
Jockeying for position
There may or may not be a real race for mayor of Philadelphia this year, but the political dance became increasingly entertaining last week.
On Wednesday, Heard in the Hall reported that State Sen. Anthony Williams was flirting with a challenge to Mayor Nutter, an erstwhile ally. While Williams' candidacy would have to be regarded as a long shot, it could also encourage a white candidate, such as City Councilman Bill Green, to take a chance on the theory that the two African American men would split the black vote.
And who would be spotted Thursday at the Four Seasons lunching together but - Williams and Green! And who would be eating at another table, but the mayor himself!
