Congressman Robert Brady (D-Pa.) hasn't even entered the mayoral race, and he's already under fire.
Brady has long been considering a mayoral bid, but, with former City Controller Jonathan Saidel, he would have been one of two popular white candidates. And with blacks making up the majority of Philadelphia Democrats, his election prospects would have been weak.
So, under pressure from Brady supporters who didn't want to see Saidel and Brady scramble for the same votes, Saidel has moved aside - but he's making room for the wrong man.
Bob Brady is exactly what's wrong with Philadelphia.
As the chairman of the local Democratic party, he's overseen and been a part of Philadelphia deal-making for more than 20 years. He's staged the back-room dealing that has defined local politics. And, more than anything else, "he's absolutely associated with the status quo," political consultant Neil Oxman told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
For decades, this city's government has been plagued by corruption and ruled by a small group of insiders. For the first time in years, there are multiple candidates on the ballot who can bring real change to Philadelphia.
And the city needs that kind of leadership.
Center City is booming, but the massive redevelopment of both waterfronts need City Hall support to become viable and successful.
And north, west and east of Center City lie completely different neighborhoods, where 26,000 abandoned houses depress property values and violent crime is on the rise.
A man who represents the cronyism of Philadelphia politics is not the leader this city needs. This isn't your race, Bob.
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