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Monday, July 7, 2008
Nutter Stunned By Meehan Resignation, Praises Prosecutor
Pat Meehan

Mayor Nutter today learned from reporters after a City Hall press conference that U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan had announced his resignation.  The mayor called the news "kind of stunning" and a loss for the city.  While putting together his administration earlier this year, Nutter called on three former Meehan staffers to take appointed posts.  A fourth former Meehan staffer helped sort out the mess that was the non-profit Safe and Sound.

Meehan had a different reputation in the last administration, overseeing a federal corruption probe that went public with the discovery of an FBI listening device in Mayor Street's office.  Street was never charged with any crime but his city treasurer, Corey Kemp, was sent to federal prison and a key campaign fundraiser, Ron White, died while under indictment.  City Councilman Rick Mariano, a longtime political ally for Street, was sent to federal prison on unrelated corruption charges.

"He has been a true presence, a force, but also a person with great credibility," Nutter said, adding that Meehan, "Helped to restore some sense of integrity and credibility to this city government. I appreciate all his work."

Posted by Chris Brennan @ 3:29 PM  Permalink | 6 comments
Comments   
Posted 05:33 PM, 07/07/2008
CleanupPhilly
Meehan would be a great governor, unlike Ed "Early Release" Rendell.
Posted 05:43 PM, 07/07/2008
jimmymack
He knows he's outta here in January if Dems win, so he can catch some summer before his next gig. Don't worry, there's still plenty of corruption in the city and burbs for the next guy to go after.
Posted 10:33 PM, 07/07/2008
chrissmith
It's unbelievable that the media pretty much ignored the early release bill in the state legislature. It's an outrage! I highly doubt Meehan would sign such a crime-friendly bill if governor.
Posted 11:30 PM, 07/07/2008
Adam Lang
Meehan is probably doing the ethical thing. If he wants Governor, he needs to start campaigning and working the angles now. If he did that while Attorney General, it would be unethical and damaging to his character. The guy is doing the right thing. He could very well be a serious candidate in 2010 ... especially if Rendell keeps going the direction he is ... he is going to alienate a LOT of mid-staters for his successor. And kudos for Nutter's classy remarks.
Posted 05:35 AM, 07/08/2008
FJG JR
"Meehan Go Bragh". Thanks for everything.
Posted 08:46 AM, 07/08/2008
JimMcBrook
If Obama does wins the presidency, I would think he would have a tough time firing Meehan due to his distinguished record.
6 comments
About Chris Brennan and Catherine Lucey
PhillyClout
Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002. Since then she has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. For the past two years, she covered the 2007 mayoral election. Now that the battle is over, she has moved down to the City Hall bureau where she will report on the Nutter administration.

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Catherine Lucey
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