Rendell

In Ed Rendell's perfect Philadelphia world, the spring primary election would be over by the time the mayor brings his local stadium-funding plan before City Council. In fact, according to both city and team sources, that's what Rendell is planning, to wait until after the election before seeking Council's approval of any funding plan, team lease agreements or construction-site selection. But while that might be what Rendell is planning, there is only a slight chance that will happen.

It's clear Gov. Rendell is scrambling to make up for a drop in tax revenue, but his proposal to expand gambling to nearly every corner tavern across the state is a bad hand. The state has yet to demonstrate that it can properly regulate the handful of licensed slots parlors it already has, including two run by companies headed by ex-convicts. It's hard to envision the state Gaming Control Board having better control over video-poker machines in thousands of bars and private clubs across Pennsylvania.

Gov. Rendell is poised to name former Commonwealth Court Judge James Gardner Colins an interim appointee to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, over the objection of Senate Republicans who predicted a battle over the nomination. Colins, 61, a Democrat from Philadelphia, was the longest-serving judge in the 37-year history of the intermediate appellate court. He announced in October that he was stepping down to speak out about the need for judicial independence and perhaps to return to practicing law. A news conference is scheduled for this afternoon in Harrisburg, and Rendell is expected to name Colins as his choice for the high court, according to a Capitol source and a Senate Republican.

A prominent Democratic fund-raiser wanted on a felony fraud charge in California has donated or steered tens of thousands of dollars to Pennsylvania politicians in recent years, moving some to now jettison the money. But one of Norman Hsu's biggest beneficiaries in the state, Gov. Rendell, said yesterday that he would keep the money - and stand by his friend - unless he learned more damaging information about the case. "I want to hear him out; I don't want to be one of the guys to pile on," Rendell said.

STEVE Schramm told me he's worried about his son Matthew, a soldier stationed in Kuwait. He's concerned about more than his safety. The way things stand, Matthew, a 25-year-old Army reservist who puts his life on the line every day for his country, will not get to vote for commander-in-chief. He still hasn't received his absentee ballot, despite making the request during the summer! Incredible. And those who are quick to scream "disenfranchisement" when felons in Florida are rightfully prevented from voting have been slow to support the same rights for soldiers.

Up to now, former District Attorney Edward G. Rendell has run softly for governor, albeit with a big schtick. He was saying things like, "As you know, I will soon complete my second term as district attorney. At that time, I plan to announce my candidacy for governor of Pennsylvania. " Next week, at no specific stroke of the clock, the Committee to Elect Ed Rendell will become Rendell for Governor - and Rendell will really, truly, finally be on the road to the Democratic primary.

Former District Attorney Edward G. Rendell is protesting less and less strenuously when asked if he'll be a candidate for mayor in the spring primary. "See me the day after the (Nov. 4) election," a grinning Rendell told a reporter who asked about his plans yesterday. Rendell, who appeared at a press conference on adult illiteracy with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Robert P. Casey, fielded several questions about the possibility of his entering the mayor's race. Several Rendell associates say he's strongly leaning toward a City Hall run. Many Democrats believe he is the only Democrat who can beat Mayor Goode in the primary, but some have expressed concern that such a race would seriously divide the party.

Displeased with the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, Gov. Rendell said in an exclusive interview he would consider replacing Chairman James Nevels if he had a candidate. Rendell said the commission had not given departing Philadelphia schools chief Paul Vallas the support his accomplishments deserved. "Right now, I'm not sure I've got a chairman candidate on the commission other than Mr. Nevels," Rendell said. "When I make my next appointment, I will be looking to appoint someone who can step in and be chairman.

His approval ratings may be tanking in Pennsylvania, but Gov. Rendell is top-of-the-charts in the eyes of Esquire. The magazine has included Rendell in its "World's 75 Best People" list. He joins actors Matt Damon and Robert Duvall, Bill and Hillary Clinton, investor Warren Buffett, and cartoon character Lisa Simpson. Here's how Esquire described its criteria: "There are many more do-gooders, but these particular men and women - because of their talent, achievements, virtue, and two other essential qualifications (having to do with puppies and drinking)

During his unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, former Philadelphia District Attorney Edward G. Rendell assured Mayor Goode that he was not interested in the mayor's job. Whether Rendell will change his mind and enter the mayor's race in 1987 is still an open question that Rendell declines to answer. But those close to him say he is reluctant to get involved in what he expects to be a racially divisive campaign. Goode has said since the May 20 primary, as speculation has increased about Rendell's future, that the former district attorney had told him he would not challenge him for mayor.