But despite the GOP's grim reputation and the Democrats' stranglehold on local politics, Philadelphia Republicans have been toiling to make the next 14 months as interesting as possible; beginning with the upcoming elections, the elephants are giving voters reasons to lean right.

It's not easy being Philly GOP. Republican national figures and a Senator not named Arlen Specter have tainted the judgment of Philly Republicans. But with city Democrats bouncing from scandal to scandal, now is the moment the GOP has been waiting for.

The media have ripped Democrats recently, beginning last year as Mayor John Street earned recognition as "Worst" by Time. Street redeemed himself, but before Democrats could exhale, the party watched Councilman Rick Mariano get investigated and sent to federal prison. And this week, the city can still hear the echo of former Councilman Michael Nutter and Councilwoman Anna Verna quarrelling over three vacant Council seats. And, as expected, Republicans are jeering and pointing fingers at the majority.

Except, they aren't. Not at all, actually, since this party has changed.

If there were ever a time to stand up against the domineering Democrats, now is it.

National neocon stereotypes deafen the brightest Republican voices in this town and it's been difficult for the minority party to align with a moderate public. To counter this, the newest Philadelphia Republicans are shying away from their Midwestern and Southern brethren, showing a clear separation with a bolder image, adopting policies that cater to the public and incorporating a youth movement within.

Easier said than accomplished, but there already signs of change. Just in time for November, the newest candidates' agendas include protecting small business, welfare reform and funding urban education. This approach is coupled with bullish redevelopment strategies and the conservative urge to cut taxes. This latest Philly GOP mantra is a shell of the former "big business first, civil liberties ... eventually" motto.

In a recent discussion with 182nd District hopeful Lindsay Doering, it's obvious the candidates are focusing attention on the sensitive social agenda that historically hinders the GOP. "People traditionally have thought that the Republican party stands for Ward Cleaver," says Doering, explaining his impression of the fresh attitude. "But I think people are realizing that there has been significant changes in the party. Minority citizens who don't feel represented under the city's current one-party system are giving us a look."

While unfamiliar, the looks are welcomed. Toting candidates who support choice and are conscious of the gay and lesbian community, the Philadelphia Republicans are offering options to voters who may not necessarily agree with Democratic views on gambling, the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative or the sluggish progress of Penn's Landing. For instance, Doering is pro-choice and against gambling, an unusual combination, but that's evidence to show the conservative change.

And who better to deal with the most important issues? Of course, this isn't to claim the recently reformed Republicans are the right choice, but rather a call for voters to gauge each race carefully. The Republicans have created better choices, and for voters that means breaking party lines may very well be the best way to be served.

With the odds heavily against them, the Philly GOP won't be snatching the reins from the opposing majority any time soon. But with internal changes and baby steps, the Philly Republicans look poised, and this November they may have done just enough changing to rock the boat.