Democrat wins in Philly; GOP hangs on in suburbs

by Chris Vesci assistant copy editor

The nation went to the polls once again on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. While the presidential election is still a year away, there were many other contests decided on Election Day '99, both locally and nationwide.

Locally, the race which garnered the most attention was the Philadelphia mayoral campaign. Democrat John Street beat Republican rival Sam Katz by a very small margin of about 10,000 votes.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Katz had 48.1 percent of voters to Street's 50.6 percent, with 94.5 percent of the districts reporting.

The race itself was vigorous and fascinating, in the view of area analysts.

Over 20 million dollars was spent by the candidates. Philadelphia has not seen a Republican mayor since 1952, but Katz was the most credible Republican challenger to a Democrat in years, analysts said.

While Street earned the support of his key opponent from the Democratic mayoral primary, Marty Weinberg, Katz was supported by two of Street's other primary rivals-John White and Happy Fernandez.

According to· history professor Jillian Moniz, that was "amazing" to her.

"Where I come from [Indiana], party loyalty means everything," she said.

Katz also won the endorsement of several area newspapers, including The Philadelphia Inquirer. Street had the support of popular outgoing mayor Ed Rendell.

A rally led by President Clinton was able to sway some voters to Street's side. Street was also supported largely by African Americans, and he called for Democrats to unite.

Despite those in his party who did not endorse Street, Moniz said, "He won out of Democratic loyalty. It was ironic."

Dr. James Hedtke, professor of history and political science, said, "They were very fortunate in Philadelphia. They got to choose between two goods, not two evils."

Hedtke identified Street and Katz as very strong and similar candidates and called Katz a "Democrat wearing Republican clothing."

However, third year education major and Philadelphia resident Gail Miller, who voted for Katz, said of Street, ''He will not make