In another time and political climate, the amiable Taubenberger "would actually be a very strong candidate," in Katz's view.

"He's out there every day, comporting himself honorably. In the cesspool of Philadelphia politics, that rises to the level of noble."

No one disputes Taubenberger's work ethic. On Sept. 9, for example, his campaign schedule included events in Fairmount Park, Somerton, Warminster, Penn's Landing and City Hall.

At the last stop, he was approached by Belgian tourists asking for directions to the Liberty Bell. He got into an extended chat in German. A first-generation German American, he's fluent in the language.

"Al will hold a conversation with anybody, believe me. He's a lively type of guy," says Councilman Kelly, for whom he was chief of staff from 1988 to '92.

To Taubenberger's wife, Joanne, a kindergarten teacher in the Northeast, "he has a knack for getting along with people. He can talk to anybody about anything any time."

Taubenberger's family wasn't thrilled, at first, about his decision to run. "I thought he was crazy," says daughter Elizabeth, a special-ed teacher in Bucks County and one of four children.

"I knew it would be an uphill battle. Anyone who has lived in Philly knows what kind of city it is." Still, she adds, "I commend my dad for stepping up to the plate when nobody else did."

Taubenberger appears to have few enemies. His ex-wife hosted a fund-raiser for him. He and Nutter get along so well the race is being called the friendliest in city history.

The city of mayorly love?

The two men got to know each other during numerous mayoral forums before the primaries. Candidates were seated in alphabetical order; there was nobody between N and T.

"We chatted, built up a little camaraderie," says Taubenberger. "Mike's a nice guy." They had lunch and pledged to run positive campaigns. Taubenberger was an honored guest at Nutter's birthday bash in late June.

"Life's too short to acquire too many enemies," he says. "It takes a lot to make me mad. Anyone who thinks bullying people is a management tactic is sadly mistaken. In the long run, it will hurt you."

Taubenberger is all about long runs. The only child of German immigrants, he didn't leave the family rowhouse in Burholme until 1998, when he and Joanne married. They moved to within walking distance. His eldest son took over the house.

His parents owned a neighborhood deli, as did two uncles. (Taubenberger still has a weakness for corned beef with Russian, but there's venison and elk in his freezer, too.)

He wanted to be a history teacher. Then a conversation with a golf course superintendent, a Penn State agronomy grad and friend of his father's, persuaded Taubenberger to change his major.

His first job was as grounds supervisor at Friends Hospital in - where else? - the Northeast. During his tenure, it won a national award for best-maintained hospital grounds.

Despite his love of the outdoors, Taubenberger had an itch for politics. "My parents were always so passionate about it, and that passion carried over to me," he says. "I thought the whole process was pretty neat. That was the greatness of America."

Latching on to Dougherty's campaign, Taubenberger was offered a staff job after the election. It was unexpected. He was hooked. He learned that politics was personal.