Penn alumnus Ed Rendell, the popular former mayor of Philadelphia, formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor today with speeches in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and the City of Brotherly Love.
Rendell's day started early in Pittsburgh, but the most emotional part of the trip was his final late afternoon speech. From the steps of the same northwest Philadelphia rowhouse where he announced his candidacy for mayor 10 years ago, Rendell addressed hundreds of cheering supporters.
Starting his speech amid cries of "Eddie, Eddie!," Rendell commented on the highly charged atmosphere of the event, saying "it's great to be back home."
During his two terms as mayor, Rendell received positive national press for revitalizing a decaying Philadelphia. Inheriting a debt of close to $250 million from Wilson Goode in 1992, Rendell left Philadelphia with a surplus of nearly $170 million when his second term ended in 1999. For full coverage check tomorrow's Daily Pennsylvanian or log onto dailypennsylvanian.com.
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