New York City was the scene last weekend of the 110th annual dinner of the Pennsylvania Society. The nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to recognizing excellence in service of the commonwealth has met in Manhattan every December in the tradition of the society's founders. And while there was a substantial crowd of well-heeled politicos, socialites, journalists and hangers-on, the attendance was smaller than in past years.

In the aftermath of the presidential election, there were two themes: next year's district attorney's race and the governor's race in 2010.

The decadent confab began Friday night with a plethora of parties. First up was the traditional Blank Rome event at the InterContinental Hotel, where jumbo shrimp abounded. No recession here.

Between gigs, the Waldorf bar Bull and Bear was the hangout where lobbyist David Maser and former Rick Santorum operative Robert Traynham held court.

Traynham was once the spokesman for the former U.S. senator, who lost his seat to Bob Casey in 2006; he is now the Washington bureau chief for the Comcast Network.

Santorum, now a highly paid consultant (who makes twice as much as he did as an elected official), made the scene and ran smack into his all-time favorite person, Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News. Upon seeing Segal, who made great efforts to make sure that Santorum was not re-elected, the former senator simply rolled his eyes and said, "Oh, no."

Segal caused a sensation himself; after 20 years of declining invitations, he actually showed up in New York, with partner Jason Villemez, creating a buzz that Segal might be planning a run for City Council in a few years — a la Harvey Milk. Segal said it was not his intention to run at this time but he was considering his options.

By 10 p.m., guests headed off to the 21 Club for the Duane Morris reception, always a posh affair, hosted by firm partner Ken Davis. This was where the district attorney political action took pla...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/13/starry-night http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/13/starry-night

Politics was a topic of discussion last week at the annual American Film Market convention in Santa Monica, where an industry gathered to buy films and make deals. Although the economic downturn led to limited buying, attendance was good and networking opportunities were plentiful.

At the Weinstein Company's usual confab, bar talk turned to the recent election of Barack Obama. It's no secret that many Hollywood stars have backed Obama from the beginning. At this party — so crowded it could hardly be called exclusive — it was clear that everyone was thrilled Obama won.

Still, we wonder: Does celebrity support mean anything in an election?

Media critic and Wag the Dog author Larry Beinhart has studied the impact of celebrity on politics and had this to say:

"Oddly, this was the least 'Hollywood' of recent campaigns, both in the literal and metaphorical sense.

"There are very, very few movie or music stars who like Republicans. There are reasons for this. To make it to the top in the corporate world, you have to swallow the Kool-Aid, buy into the corporate version of reality. To make it to the top in acting or music, you make it on your talent, often against, or in spite of, the corporate world view. Also, you realize that you're lucky. It's been a roll of the dice and lots of people around you don't get the roll. When you crawl or climb up the business ladder, you and the others around you convince you that it's by virtue and hard working and those who have not climbed so high have failed due to laziness and insufficient moral fibre.

"Peculiarly, Republicans love movie stars. They are very, very hurt that movie stars don't love them and express that as hatred and contempt when such people express liberal views. Conversely, they go utterly ga-ga over any actor who comes out on their side. Witness the total adoration of Ronald Reagan.

"Barack Obama deliberately kept liberal actors out of the campaign. He was aware that they were hate bait for Republicans and...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/06/party-night http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/06/party-night

Election Day came and went with no surprises, as Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. By midnight, when John McCain conceded, masses of enthusiastic voters bombarded Broad Street in front of City Hall, blocking traffic for miles.

The Obama craze was rampant the night before in Rittenhouse Square at Twenty Manning, where owner Audrey Taichman hosted a pre-election night confab attended by Wolf Block Chairman Mark Alderman, who has raised his profile as Obama's state finance chair. Alderman backed Obama early on when the popular choice was Hillary Clinton.

Michael T. Regan THE FEELING: Obama supporters celebrate after the president-elect's speech at the two.one.five magazine election night party. (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Before the election was called, the day was slow.

The annual Famous Deli Election Day Lunch was not as crowded as it was in the primary, with only about a hundred or so showing up for the corned beef special. Inside, Gov. Ed Rendell and Charlie Breslin pored over turnout figures. Noticeably absent was state Sen. Vincent Fumo, and his entourage, who, as tradition dictates, take over the porch section of the deli. Fumo was presumably preoccupied with his federal corruption trial.

It's not over until it's really over. And with just days until Nov. 4, campaign workers from both sides are pulling out all the stops.

While Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is leading in the polls, his national worker bees are taking nothing for granted.

Moveon.org, the federal Political Action Committee (PAC) that mobilizes Democrats, and which endorsed Obama, is sending mass communications to supporters, beseeching them to work harder than ever and not be complacent.

Obama told his staff to act as if he's 20 points behind, despite his current surge in the polls.

Elliott Curson (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Local races are also looking good for Democrats, though candidates are not taking anything for granted there, either (or, if they are, they at least have to look as though they're running a campaign).

There are a few local races to watch. Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy is running against GOP candidate Tom Manion in Bucks County, and Democrat Brendan Boyle is looking to beat GOP contender Matt Taubenberger for state Rep. George Kenney's seat, as he is not running for re-election (for more on these races, see our Local Roundup on p. 12).

Even Larry Farnese is not taking his race against Republican John Morley lightly, though he is likely to prevail and succeed state Sen. Vincent Fumo, who's currently on trial for corruption in federal court. Farnese's campaign manager, Renee Gilinger, says Farnese's victory party will be held at Nineteen atop the Park Hyatt Bellevue Hotel on election night. That's not a cheap location, so Farnese must be comfortable with his available cash. After the election, Gilinger will become Democratic District Attorney candidate ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/16/fundraising-to-the-finish http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/16/fundraising-to-the-finish

Both presidential candidates made the city a key stop last weekend as the campaign moved into its final weeks.

On Friday, Democratic nominee Barack Obama made the scene for a triple fundraiser — two at the Sheraton Hotel on Race Street, followed by dinner at Comcast exec David L. Cohen's house.

The press was not permitted at the events.

Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin was one of 20 leaders from the gay and lesbian community who organized the smaller of the Sheraton fundraisers.

Elliott Curson (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Lazin says that, while it was clear that Hillary Clinton was the choice of the LGBTQ community, it could work with Obama.

He declines to comment on what Obama said in his remarks to his supporters. But in an e-mail sent to those who attended, Lazin said, "We were privileged to hear ... Senator Obama state that he expects relatively expeditious passage of hate crimes and ENDA amendments and his commitment to repeal of [sic] Don't Ask, Don't Tell and DOMA and to provide same-sex couples in recognized relationships with federal marital protections and benefits."

While more than $210,000 was raised, some of the higher-level donors who paid to have their photo taken with Obama never got that opportunity. Word was that the Obama campaign lost the who's who list.

Lazin called the incident unfortunate and said organizers were trying to resolve it.

Long after Obama left, the politicking continued at the Park Hyatt Bellevue Hotel, where the annual gala fo...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/02/obama-land http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/02/obama-land

With Wall Street crashing earlier in the week, Democrats are looking at presidential nominee Barack Obama as a last bastion of hope. Obama's appearance next week at a Philly fundraiser hosted by a consortium of the city's politically connected VIPs should be a major draw despite the ticket price — $2,300 a person for a premium ticket and $1,000 for the standard. The event will take place Oct. 10 at the Sheraton City Center in the late afternoon.

Those planning to attend include honorary co-chairs Mayor Michael Nutter, Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and an eclectic range of co-chairs, featuring Mark Alderman, Charles Breslin, David L. Cohen, Stephen Cozen, Holly Kinser, Malcolm Lazin, Bob Toll and Dan Wofford.

Elliott Curson (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

It should be noted that Casey has been on board with Obama since the beginning, while Rendell was a strong backer of Hillary Clinton.

Breslin, a government consultant close to Rendell who is heavily involved with organizing the fundraiser, says the hosts have had great success with former Clinton supporters. He credits the governor.

"It is because of Gov. Rendell that all the Hillary supporters have stepped up to this event," says Breslin.

For the really well-heeled and -connected, Rendell and his former chief of staff, David Cohen, are hosting a dinner party at Cohen's house following the fundraiser. Guests can either purchase a $10,000 ticket or raise $50,000 for the Obama campaign.

Also taking advantage of Obama's appearance next week will be politically active gays and lesbians, who will be hosting their own fundraising confab at the Sheraton at the same time (this may prove challenging for Obama, Rendell, Casey and Nutter, who will be e...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/18/tackling-the-black-vote http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/18/tackling-the-black-vote

Now that the political dog-and-pony shows (aka the national conventions) are over, locals are gearing up for the November election.

In an effort to raise awareness among black men and encourage them to vote, activist/Big Brother alum Will Mega and Republican Randy Robinson staged a Philadelphia Eagles versus Dallas Cowboys political watching party at Cavanaugh's bar in University City during the Monday night Eagles loss.

"This is what happens when football, politics and the hip-hop generation collide," said Mega. "A Monday night football-watching-party event where young professionals, blue-collar workers, activists and politicos come together for one reason: to watch the Philadelphia Eagles KICK some Dallas butt and to debate about politics."

Will Mega, center rear, with colleagues. (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Billing the event as the "Black Radical and Black Republican Football Watching Party," Mega, who also describes himself as a black nationalist, likened the upcoming presidential election to mud on a football field.

His day job is as a counselor at the National Comprehensive Center for Fathers, a nonprofit that helps fathers get their lives back on track. He sees this type of event as an effective way to get black men interested in politics.

"Black men rarely come out to vote," said Mega, "but they do watch football."

Mega is supporting Barack Obama, and says that this election is critical.

Republicans backing McCain are also of the mind-set that this election is one of the most important ever. Riding the phenomenon known as Sarah Palin, men-about-town Craig Drake and Frank Giordano are hosting a $1,000-a-head fund-raiser at t...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/04/minnesota-moments http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/09/04/minnesota-moments

Minneapolis was the destination for politicos this week as Republican delegates descended here for five days' worth of conventioneering. Although there was talk early Sunday about Hurricane Gustav, which was headed for New Orleans, few realized that Monday night's events at the Excel Center would be canceled because of it.

At the Pennsylvania delegate breakfast early Monday morning, state officials announced that the speakers planned for that night — U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger , Vice President Dick Cheney , President George Bush and first lady Laura Bush — would not, in fact, be speaking. Politically, it could have been a disaster for the Republicans to take the stage while another storm wrecked New Orleans, especially after Bush and FEMA were raked over the coals for their response to Hurricane Katrina.

Chad Jenkins (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

The Pennsylvania delegates had arrived early Sunday morning. The good news, for them, was that their trip was extremely well-organized (the delegation was efficiently bused to the Marriott Hotel); the bad news was that the hotel was way out in Minnetonka, 25 miles from both the Xcel Center and downtown Minneapolis, where many of the events were taking place. The delegates and the media hanging with them paid $250 a piece to defray costs for transportation and receptions at the hotel (unlike at the Denver convention last week, where receptions were paid for by various corporations).

In addition to the official delegates, some Pennsylvania Republicans came along just for the parties and networking. Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum , now a big deal at conservative think tanks, made the scene (the man who took Santorum's seat, Sen. Bob Casey , spoke at the Democratic Convention). ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/28/destination-denver http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/28/destination-denver

The lines at the airport were out the door and down the block at 6 a.m. Sunday morning, as local delegates lined up in front of Frontier Airlines to head off for the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah , in line with his wife, Channel 10 news anchor Re n ee Chenault-Fattah , and their family, apparently decided that waiting in line was not an option, so after conferring with airport police, he and the family were escorted to the front of the line and checked in. Pays to be a congressman, right?

Nina Tinari Gov. Ed Rendell and Mary Ellen Balchunis of La Salle (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Downtown Denver, pretty as it is, was a zoo, with protesters lining the streets of the 16th Street Mall and SWAT teams in attendance. The protesters focused on the war, and most carried makeshift signs, and banged on drums, pots and pans while chanting. Occasionally some would try to block the mall buses. When they did, the SWAT teams would react quickly, hauling demonstrators into vans.

Onlookers were amused. "I'm so glad to see young people involved in politics," observed one elderly woman who was a DNC volunteer.

Downtown hotels in Denver had been booked for various state delegations a year in advance, and many delegations, including the Pennsylvania one, had to be housed in offshoot hotels miles away. Although there's a light rail that runs from the boondocks in...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/21/where-its-at http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/21/where-its-at

Convention fever hits this week as state delegates prepare for the national conventions. This year, the Democratic and Republican conventions are scheduled back to back, making the whole shebang a logistical nightmare for the media.

The Democrats are up first in Denver. Many attendees will arrive Saturday, and the convention officially begins Monday, Aug. 25, at the Pepsi Center.

It's standard for the hosting state to sponsor an opening-night party for all delegates, and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has organized a Western-themed barbecue at Red Rocks Stadium to feed and entertain the masses.

Pennsylvania boasts 213 delegates and alternate delegates.

Joe Barber (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Denver has not turned out to be the most convenient place for lodging. Hotels near the convention center were booked eight months ago, and the Pennsylvania delegates are housed miles away at the Marriott, accessible by rail car. Needless to say, complaints have ensued. Lodging in neighboring towns is going fast and not cheap. A simple travel lodge costs upward of $500 per night, and these cheesy motels don't even have a pool or mini bar.

As of press time, it's still unknown whom Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama 's running mate will be — Evan Bayh , Joe Biden , Hillary Clinton , Tom Kaine and Kathleen Sebelius have all been discussed.

Obama has been busy gracing the cover of Essence magazine with his family, while Michelle Obama has a full photo spread for ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/07/fighting-for-control http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/07/fighting-for-control

Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton breezed into town Tuesday to thank supporters and talk about her future plans.

Clinton made her appearance at the Wolf Block law firm in Center City, first to a small group of heavy hitters, and then to a larger, more general audience.

The former first lady conceded to her Democratic rival, Barack Obama, in June, when it became clear she did not have the delegates to beat him.

Richard Schiffrin, a Main Line attorney who raised close to $1 million for Clinton in the past year, said Clinton was traveling around the country, making similar appearances and working hard to pay off her campaign debt.

Elliott Curson (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

"It is the right thing for her to do," said Schiffrin. "I doubt Obama will ask her to run for vice president. So I can only guess what she is feeling right now."

Schriffin says he is now standing behind Obama and will begin fundraising in the fall.

"I think it will be a closer election than people think," said Schiffrin. "But with the economy the way it is and after four years of George Bush, I can't imagine a Republican getting elected again."

Local Republicans are eyeing up the race for city controller next year.

Unlike the nomination for district attorney, which appears safe in the hands of Scott Sigman, the nod for controller could be up for grabs.

Al Schmidt, the executive director of Republican City Committee, is said to be interested in running, as is Kevin Kelly, former chairman of the Federation of Young Republicans.

Schmidt joined the city committee last year after working a federal job in D.C.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/24/summer-campaign http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/24/summer-campaign

Nobody thinks about elections in the middle of summer — especially not state office races.

The presidential election will be first and foremost on voters' minds this fall, but the offices of attorney general, treasurer and auditor general will all be on the ballot — and the campaigns have begun.

Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett is seeking a second term against Democratic challenger John Morganelli. Incumbent Democrat Auditor General Jack Wagner faces GOP candidate Chet Beiler.

Hugh E. Dillon Scott Sigman, Matt Ray, Alec Mapa (L-R) (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

The race for the treasurer's seat is a bit more visible, because the seat is wide open.

Former state Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. left the position in 2007 after unseating incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum in the 2006 election.

Gov. Ed Rendell appointed Robin Wiessmann to fill the interim term until a new treasurer could be elected. Wiessmann took the appointment with the condition that she would not run.

Now, Republican Tom Ellis is up against Democrat Rob McCord, a venture capitalist. Ellis ran unopposed in the GOP primary, while McCord ran against (and outspent) Democratic primary opponents John Cordisco, chairman of the Bucks County Democratic Party, Jennifer Mann, a state rep from Allentown, and Dennis Morrison-Wesley, a former investment salesman from Harrisburg.

Ellis has been a bond lawyer at Ballard Spahr and comes well-funded; his finance chair is Ballard chairman Arthur Makadon. Makadon, who usually supports Democrats, has been raising money for Ellis and hosted a fundraiser for him at...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/17/nutters-gay-for-the-gays http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/17/nutters-gay-for-the-gays

Politically charged films were showcased at the opening week of the 14th annual Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, which began last Thursday night.

Featured films included Dog Tags, about the sexual awareness of a Marine; the documentary Call Me Troy, about a preacher who advocates for gay and lesbian rights in and outside the church; and Otto; Or, Up With Dead People, a political zombie film.

Mayor Michael Nutter, a gay-film supporter, attended the opening night film, Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! at the Prince Theater while City Hall types packed XIX at the Park Hyatt Bellevue Saturday night for a pre-reception for the 40th anniversary of the 1969 cult film Midnight Cowboy.

Cowboy producer Jerome Hellman attended the screening, and partied along with Michael Childers, the life partner of Cowboy director John Schlesinger. Schlesinger died of a heart attack in 2003.

Other parties of note included a Pure Smut party honoring drag queen Chi Chi LaRue at Pure Nightclub.

Though gay film will be a central theme in town for the next two weeks, the City Hall Film Series actually switched away from a gay-themed film so as not to conflict with the Festival.

Photo by Hugh E. Dillon PIGLF Executive Director Thom Cardwell and Midnight Cowboy Producer Jerome Hellman (CLICK IMAG...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/10/gop-rally http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/10/gop-rally Republican Michael Cibik, GOP 5th Ward leader, hosted his annual fireworks/deck party on July 4. The event also served as a fundraiser for GOP state House candidate Matt Taubenberger, and a reason to rally Republican troops for the general election. Taubenberger — son of former Republican mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger — is seeking to replace his current boss, state Rep. George Kenney. Kenney is not seeking re-election. Matt, who handles constituent services for the departing state rep, said Kenney is leaving office after 24 years in the House to spend more time with his family. Kenney represents the 170th legislative district, which includes the far Northeast and parts of Montgomery County. He's leaving office at a time when many Republicans on both the state and national level are trying to win back seats they lost or are fighting to stay in office. Kenney's departure leaves his long-held Republican seat vulnerable. Democrats could very well carry the district if voters pull the big "D" lever in their support of Barack Obama in November. Democrat Brendan Boyle is running against Taubenberger. He last ran in 2006 and gave Kenney a run for his money. It is not clear if Kenney opted out in anticipation of the time and funds he'd need to defend his seat. Taubenberger, 31, said he is confident that he can beat Boyle because he is an aggressive campaigner. "I knock on doors," he said. "Hundreds and hundreds of doors. And then I go back and knock on them again and people remember that." Republican House leadership, such as former House Speaker John Perzel and current Speaker Dennis O'Brien, are said to be unhappy with Kenney's departure. The state GOP says it is dedicated to getting Taubenberger elected in the only local House race that is contentious and could swing either way. Back at the deck party, other Republican guests were busily discussing other campaigns. Karen Chizeck is fundraising for GOP candidate ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/03/ask-tell http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/03/ask-tell Last Thursday, a large group of advocates gathered at the Prime Rib in Center City to raise money to fight for the repeal of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The group included Prime Rib proprietor Garth Weldon, Obama campaign gay policy committee chair Tobias Wolff and Philadelphia Film Society Executive Director Thom Cardwell. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" prohibits military servicemembers from engaging or intending to engage in "homosexual acts," because it would "create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability," according to the statute on which the policy is based. It also prohibits any gay, lesbian or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation in the military. Hugh E. Dillon Darren Manzella and Aubrey Sarvis (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION) The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), the beneficiary of the Prime Rib event, has been aggressively raising money to fund litigation against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN's executive director, said that the Pentagon fires two gay people every day. He said SLDN is working to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" through Congress as well as through the courts. "There has been opposition on Capitol Hill, but we are working to get enough votes to reverse the policy, " he said. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was sold to the cou...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/26/hunting-for-fumo http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/26/hunting-for-fumo While the clock ticks towards the September trial of state Sen. Vincent Fumo, a detailed report is being circulated in Washington, D.C., suggesting that Fumo's prosecution, as well as numerous others, was politically motivated. The Democrat-led U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary majority staff prepared the report for House Chairman John Conyers Jr. It's titled Allegations of Selective Prosecution in Our Federal Criminal Justice System. Released on April 17, the report explains the committee's decision to investigate whether the federal prosecutions of certain Democratic politicians were politically motivated. Fumo is one of the Democrats named in the report, in a section toward the back titled "Other Cases Reported to Committee Staff." The senator was indicted by U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan in February 2007, charged with using his South Philly nonprofit, Citizens' Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, for personal gain, and with defrauding the state, obstruction of justice and filing false tax returns. Meehan also alleges that Fumo used Senate employees for personal purposes. The report references a memo sent by Fumo's former attorney, Richard Sprague, to Eric Tamarkin, counsel to the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law. In it, Sprague maintains — as he previously had in the press — that there was "direct and significant circumstantial evidence to believe political considerations emanated directly from the White House which exerted improper influence over the Department of Justice as part of a partisan political strategy for national and local Republicans to gain political advantage in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state." Sprague writes that Meehan "is a longtime Republican operative who personifies the term 'loyal Bushie,'" and argues that the prosecutor investigated Fumo and other Democrats while ignoring "clear evidence of more egregious conduct by Republicans." The memo also questions the arrests of two Fumo ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/19/fighting-freshmen http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/19/fighting-freshmen Freshman Democrats in the House are desperate to keep their seats in November, and hope that a big Democratic sweep, led by presidential contender Barack Obama, will keep them in office. Last week Congressmen Patrick Murphy and Joe Sestak made fundraising stops with voters they may not necessarily have connected with two years ago. Sestak was in town Monday night at a private Old City residence for a fundraiser organized by Marty Sellers along with various notables in the gay community, including Dolph Ward Goldenburg, Romulo Diaz, Harvey Hurdle, Malcolm Lazin and Michael Weiss. Sellers pointed out that Sestak had the highest military rank for a federal elected official next to George Washington. Sestak, 56, is a three-star admiral who served 31 years in the Navy. "Never has an election been as defining since the days of Theodore Roosevelt," said Sestak. He admitted he had not been up on gay issues previously but wanted to be connected and gave out his cell phone number to many of the guests. "If you're not going to tell me, then I'm not going to know," he said. Sestak added he had joined the newly formed Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus where members voted against anti-gay legislation and supported the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell." On the current status of the war, Sestak said he believed Obama would keep his word and let the soldiers come home. "But it won't be the 16 months he is promising, it will be more like 24 months," said Sestak. He blamed the U.S. for not having more control over the war and letting the European Union and Middle East negotiate the terms. "Diplomacy can make a difference," he said. Sestak's district lies in Delaware County. He beat incumbent Congressman Curt Weldon in 2006. Sestak's 2008 Republican opponent is 43-year-old W. Craig Williams, a former federal prosecutor and honored Gulf War veteran. Williams recently resigned from his po...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/12/gabbin-with-the-gov http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/12/gabbin-with-the-gov Gov. Ed Rendell was the main attraction for the closing party of the 31st annual Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Convention, held at the National Constitution Center last Saturday night. The gov was a particularly interesting draw because of the recent turn of events in the presidential election: The hundred or so journalists from around the country who gathered to listen to him were clearly more intrigued by his thoughts on the national political picture than the current state of affairs in Pennsylvania. Rendell arrived with his wife, Third Circuit Appeals Court Judge Midge Rendell, and was introduced by City Paper publisher Paul Curci. The governor did not offer prepared remarks, opting instead to open the floor for questions. It had been a rough week for him, his preferred candidate, Hillary Clinton, having conceded to Barack Obama. He appeared to be trying to re-establish himself after betting a lot of political capital on the wrong horse. (Some other elected officials in the state, such as U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, had the foresight to go with Obama.) Rendell had gone on national TV to give his take on what was next for the candidates; he'd also been quoted as saying that Obama had the right to choose whomever he wanted as his running mate, and that it didn't necessarily have to be his vanquished opponent. Hugh E. Dillon Ed Rendell & Chelsea Clinton (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION) "But she would make a great vice president," Rendell said. "She is all about change, like changing the health-care system." He was perhaps able to become a national political pundit so easily because of his stint as chairman of the Democratic National Co...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/05/is-nutter-a-carrie-or-a-charlotte http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/06/05/is-nutter-a-carrie-or-a-charlotte Mayor Michael Nutter was very busy this past week, attending the Philadelphia première of the much-anticipated film Sex and the City and announcing key appointments in his administration — Anne Marie Ambrose as commissioner of the Department of Human Services, Albert D'Attilio as director of the city's Human Resources Department and Rue Landau as his pick for executive director of the Human Relations Commission. There's still, however, no one to lead the arts and culture community. Nutter campaigned a great deal on how necessary the arts are to making the city a vibrant destination: He promised additional funding for the city's arts and culture institutions, the re-opening of the Arts and Culture Office (which was shut down by his predecessor, John Street), the appointment of arts leaders to the boards of economic development agencies, and full funding for museums and arts programs and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. The new mayor has proposed an increase of $2 million for arts and culture in the budget, which Council approved. As for the the new arts and culture director, "We are close," says Nutter spokesman Doug Oliver. Diane Dalto, deputy representative for arts and culture under former Mayor Ed Rendell, is one of the members of a committee Nutter has appointed to search for a qualified candidate. (Former Philadelphia Orchestra President Joe Kluger is also on the committee.) Contrary to rumors, Dalto is not interested in the position herself. "I have already done that and it's time for a fresh face," says Dalto, who received recognition for innovative ideas during her tenure. Dalto says she is not at liberty to discuss many details of the search, such as which candidates have been selected to interview with Nutter, who, she says, is following the committee's recommendations. "There is no decision yet," she says. "But the person should have a background in economic development, since times have changed." ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/05/29/funding-fairmount http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/05/29/funding-fairmount Good news last week for advocates of city parks: City Council approved the additional parks funding in Mayor Michael Nutter's proposed budget. Nutter allocated an additional $2.5 million for Fairmount Park and the Department of Recreation. The total budget for the parks is now $13 million. Lauren Bornfriend, executive director of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance, was thrilled with the infusion of cash, saying it was the first increase seen in decades. "For Philadelphia to become a first-class city, investing in parks is investing in families and quality of life," she says. Elliot Curson Fairmount Park (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION) Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban park systems in the world, boasting 9,200 acres in parks throughout the city (by comparison, New York City's Central Park has only 843 acres), as well as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Founded in 1855, it's home to ball fields, tennis courts, pools, hiking and biking trails and historic mansions. By stepping up to the plate for the park, Nutter has distinguished himself from his predecessors. Former Mayors John Street and Ed Rendell did not make Fairmount Park a priority. Perhaps Nutter has more affinity for the foliage because of his days as councilman for the 4th District, which encompasses a good part of the park. Mark Focht, a holdover from the Street administration, is the current executive director of Fairmo...]]>