December 9-16, 2004

political notebook

Pack the Halls

by Mary F. Patel

This year's seasonal party scene is in full swing early.

Attorney Christy Adams hosted her third annual party at the Ritz Carlton on Dec. 1. The event drew former boxer Randall "Tex" Cobb and his wife Janet, who is working on a documentary but declined to discuss the details; Special Narcotics Prosecutor Scott Sigman; "Super Ducks" proprietor Alfred Krawitz; developer Wayne Spilove; former Licenses and Inspections Commissioner Ed McLaughlin, there with L&I director of special projects Joe DiOrio; distinguished trial lawyer (who represents this reporter in a matter) and possible future Republican mayoral candidate George Bochetto with his associate Cynthia Clark; Local 98 boys Ed Kirlin, Jim Foy and Brian Stevenson; and state Sen. Vincent Fumo's legislative assistant John Hawkins and his wife Julie. Also attending were Common Pleas Court Judges Bill Manfredi and Gene Cohen, who is marrying attorney Janice Klinger in January.

During the event, an invitation to City Controller Jonathan Saidel's $250-a-head fund-raiser next week at the law firm of Grady & Falcione was circulating. The event committee was listed as "A Select Group of Philadelphians," with Gov. Ed Rendell listed as the chairman of the Friends of Saidel Campaign Committee.

It's no news that Saidel is probably not going to seek re-election as Controller next year, and will finish out his 2005 term to run for mayor in 2007 with Rendell's support.

"The fund-raiser is to honor me and raise money for the Friends of Saidel," explained the controller, who was not at the party. He added that Rendell has always been involved with his campaigns.

At the bar, conversation turned to Traffic Court Judge Joseph Howlett, who succumbed to lung cancer last month. Now, there will be one opening on traffic court next year and Michael McAleer, Democratic Ward Leader of 66B and assistant to state Sen. Michael Stack, was said to be considering running for the seat.

McAleer was not at the party, but when reached for comment, he confirmed his interest, adding that he was a close friend of Howlett's. He last ran for traffic court in 2003 and, despite having party support, lost the primary to Earlene Green Clark.

Other talk was that former 39B Democratic Ward Leader Michael Sullivan is also interested in running. Though word on the street had him being supported by Fumo, spokesperson Gary Tuma said, "the senator will not be involved and let Congressman Brady make the decision."

Unlike other judges, a traffic court judge, who serves a six-year term, is not required to be a lawyer or even have a college education, but must pass a test given by the Minor Judicial Education Board before taking the bench, according to Art Heinz, the communications coordinator for Pennsylvania Courts.

Rendell also has the option of appointing a candidate to fill the vacancy and await confirmation from the Senate, but that is not likely considering Rendell is having a problem getting his Common Pleas Court nominees through the predominately Republican Senate.

Monday was another big night for events.

At an award ceremony and reception held at the Loews Hotel, the Philadelphia Bar Association's Public Interest Section honored the Executive Director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, Lynn Marks, with the 2004 Andrew Hamilton Award for extraordinary public service.

On the same night, at the Union League, the lobbying firm Hill Solutions — including principals Eric Weinberg and Jack Tomarchio — held their annual holiday soiree with a few hundred of their closest friends and clients. The guest list included Superior Court Judge Seamus McCaffery, who is in negotiations with Time Warner about a consulting gig for a new judicial sitcom called "Sports Court," focusing on rowdy fans.

There was also talk at the event of some Democrats drafting U.S. Rep. and Philadelphia Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady to run for mayor.

Several Hill guests wandered down to the Prime Rib for the $1,000-a-person fundraiser for District Attorney Lynne Abraham's re-election campaign, where more than $100,000 was raised.

Abraham addressed an eclectic crowd that included philanthropists Carole and Joe Shanis, and Tom and Linda Knox, as well as personalities such as Harry Jay Katz, there with his mother Selma; noted defense attorney Carmen Nasuti; Historical Commission Chair Michael Sklaroff; Jeffrey Batoff, attorney at Obermayer and son of pollster Bill; and Sam Evans, who was recognized for his age, 102.

"We have everyone here," said Abraham in her remarks. "Clergy, business leaders, real estate leaders and labor."

She added that her fundraising goal is $1.5 million for a campaign in which she'll face former Assistant District Attorney Seth Williams in next year's primary. (No word yet on who the Republicans will run.)

Maurice Floyd, a consultant to her campaign said, "We are running an aggressive campaign and leaving no stone unturned."