Posted on 10/18/2003 4:28:05 PM PDT by randita
Posted on Sat, Oct. 18, 2003
TRUMPING THE RACE CARD KATZ RIPS STREET OVER CLAIM THAT FEDS ARE PREJUDICED AGAINST HIM
By ERIN EINHORN, MARK McDONALD & EARNI YOUNG eeinhorn@phillynews.com
SAM KATZ CAME out swinging yesterday, accusing Mayor Street of making a "blatant appeal to race" and "cynically injecting the issue of race into a federal investigation about corruption."
As news of buggings and subpoenas dominated the coverage of the mayor's race, Katz had, until yesterday, largely stayed out of it, offering only measured or tepid responses to questions about the ongoing federal probe.
But maybe because his poll numbers are down or maybe because - as he says - he'd just had enough, Katz markedly changed his tone yesterday, lashing out against what has been more than week of suggestions by Street supporters that the mayor has been singled out for scrutiny because he is black and a Democrat.
"There would not be a federal investigation in Philadelphia if there wasn't a cause for it," Katz said at a news conference packed with his supporters. "Philadelphia has a pretty good history of both African-American and Caucasian politicians' spending time in jail because of public corruption...It is not about black. It is not about white. It's about green. Green is the color of greed."
He was supported in his statements by former Street ally - now a Katz-backer - Carl Singley, who said that politicians use race "when all fails. That's the last gasp of a desperate administration."
Street spokesman Dan Fee took issue with Katz's comments and invoked a Republican Party mailing sent to voters in Northeast Philadelphia urging them to help "take back" the city.
"I'm sorry," Fee said sarcastically, "did we insert race before or after the Republican Party sent a racially inflammatory mailing?"
Fee called Katz's charges "completely false...like everything else that emanates from the Katz campaign."
U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah said the FBI has shown "pervasive racism" as evidenced in a suit filed by black FBI agents. "It's hard to mention [an African-American elected official] which has not been the subject of these types of probes."
Said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell: "This mayor has never used race as an issue. I dare to say that on Election Day, race won't be the issue. People across the city are offended because every day there is McCarthyism... .This goes to the right of every man to have input into his government, the right to elect his leaders."
Katz's comments on race came shortly after an early afternoon visit to a North Philadelphia mosque where he urged a few hundred local Muslims to "try and cut through all the noise and focus on what is going to be best for the people of Philadelphia."
Last night, he was scheduled to hit the gay bars with the "Pride for Katz" group.
Street, meanwhile, presided yesterday at the groundbreaking of the new Widener Library at 28th and Lehigh.
"There are no unimportant neighborhoods in the city," he told a crowd of between 100 and 200 people. "They all deserve to be clean, safe, have decent housing and amenities that makes communities decent places to live."
U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton was expected to attend a Street fund-raiser at a Center City Hotel yesterday but, because of a key budget vote in Washington, had to appear only by speaker phone.
Referring to the federal probe, Clinton said: "It's a puzzle then that we would be close to an election and having the charges being hurled and have doubts being raised. But you know if they can't beat you on the facts, if they can't undermine your accomplishments, they always go after you personally. You know that," she said.
She described the probe as "accusations and last-minute desperation attacks. I know that it's difficult to go through. I personally regret that when opponents such as the mayor's have nothing positive to say, they and their allies engage in personal destruction."
She said Street has a record on women's issues "that is second to none" and predicted a Street Election Day victory because city voters will turn away from "mean-spirited, untrue, personal attacks."
Speaking at the same event, Gov. Rendell lauded Street's handling of the probe.
"He's shown himself to be a true leader," Rendell said. "And most of all he's shown what's made John Street very special: that inner strength, that determination to focus, to stay on task."
Addressing a crowd of about 400, Street started by saying he was humbled by the comments. "In this life all you have is your reputation. You don't have anything else. I'm going to try not to break down because I'm really really touched."
He then took a handkerchief and wiped his eyes. The crowd applauded his show of emotion.
Returning to the respect and reputation issue, Street said he has been "cheered and jeered" over the years, but "at the end of the day, I've always said to people that I'd much rather be respected than anything else."
Staff writer Dave Davies contributed to this report.
© 2003 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com
This woman wouldn't know the truth if it hit her upside the head. And she could possibly become mayor if a re-elected Street had to vacate the office because of criminal conduct.
He's a DEMOCRAT! Isn't that enough for anyone to vote against him? Sheeesh. That's probably why his polls are down - he might have let slip what he really stands for!
Some people still have their pride !!
I'm sorry, perhaps I am confused, but isn't "McCarthyism calling someone a communist?
Just like the people of California turning away your bud Gray Davis and his Democrat effluent.
Another example of the democrats accusing the Republicans of what they, themselves, are guilty of.
BTW, WHEN is Hillary going to do NY Senator work instead of being a gadfly for every dem politician in trouble?
It used to mean that but it's been generalized to mean name-calling and - ironically - can also be applied to those who use the term.
She spent about 15 minutes yesterday railing against the administration after voting for the supplemental so she couldn't be accused of not supporting the troops if she runs. I'm convinced she will if there is any hope of a Dim winning. She really looked like she was gearing up on the floor last evening for that. She has to be careful now so close to the election with associating with less than savory characters(I know, she's as bad as they get, but...) so the vote was good cover for not showing up in Philly.
Mo1;dog - Philly stuff Ping!
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