PhillyTablet Inquirer Daily News
Mobile
Home Delivery
philly.com
email
font size
comments
6
options
 
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   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:33 PM, 07/07/2008
    Meehan would be a great governor, unlike Ed "Early Release" Rendell.
    — CleanupPhilly
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:43 PM, 07/07/2008
    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.
    — jimmymack
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:33 PM, 07/07/2008
    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.
    — chrissmith
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:30 PM, 07/07/2008
    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.
    — Adam Lang
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:35 AM, 07/08/2008
    "Meehan Go Bragh". Thanks for everything.
    — FJG JR
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:46 AM, 07/08/2008
    If Obama does wins the presidency, I would think he would have a tough time firing Meehan due to his distinguished record.
    — JimMcBrook


6 comments
About The Philly Clout Team
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.
 Follow Chris on Twitter

David Gambacorta spent a small eternity writing about cops, drug dealers and serial killers. Now he’s writing about power and politics ­– which sometimes reminds him of the old crime beat. He joined the Daily News in 2005. And yes, he knows you’re not quite sure how to pronounce his last name. E-mail tips to gambacd@phillynews.com
 Follow Dave on Twitter.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002 and has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. After covering the 2007 mayoral election, she moved over to the City Hall bureau where she has been reporting on the Nutter administration.
 Follow Catherine on Twitter

Jan Ransom, a native New Yorker, joined the Daily News in 2010 after graduating from Howard University. She has since written about the difficulty of filing police complaints, tax deadbeats and life after violent home invasions. She joined the Daily News City Hall Bureau in 2011 and has plunged headfirst into reporting on administration budget battles and City Council shenanigans.
 Follow Jan on Twitter



Share your tips

Catherine Lucey
luceyc@phillynews.com

Chris Brennan
brennac@phillynews.com

Jan Ransom
Ransomj@phillynews.com
Advertise Here