PhillyClout asks pols three questions on primary election day
PhillyClout: Three questions for six pols at Famous 4th Street Deli.
Every election day, PhillyClout camps out at the Famous 4th Street Deli to track the comings and goings of the city's political class. By tradition, we ask everyone we can three questions. This year's questions:
If Alan Butkovitz wins a third term as City Controller this year will he complete it or step down to run for mayor in 2015?2.
Who will win the 2014 Democratic primary election for governor?
Who will be the next mayor of Philadelphia.
John Dougherty of Local 98: 1. He predicts that Butkovitz will win and complete the third term. 2. He gives U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz the early edge. 3. He said the next mayor is probably a candidate not currently being discussed but declined to say who that is.
Tom Knox, candidate for mayor in 2015: 1 He predicts that Butkovitz stays on as City Controller. 2. He didn't have an answer. 3. Tom Knox (naturally) but he predicts his toughest challenge will come from City Council President Darrell Clarke.
District Attorney Seth Williams: 1. He has not spoken to Butkovitz but expects him to step down during his third term to run for mayor. 2. He said nice things about Tom Wolf, state Sen. Mike Stack and state Treasurer Rob McCord. 3. He called state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams a front-runner.
City Controller Alan Butkovitz: "I heard the questions and I don't think I'm in the question answering mood today. You're trying to get me in trouble on my election day."
State Sen. Larry Farnese: 1. He predicts Butkovitz finishes his third term if he wins. 2. State Sen. Mike Stack. 3. Saying that he did not want to offend any friends who are potential candidates, Farnese jokingly answered Register of Wills Ron Donatucci.
Former District Attorney Lynne Abraham: 1. She didn't want to answer for fear that what she said, posted on PhillyClout, could influence how people vote. 2. Too soon to say, since we haven't heard from western Pennsylvania and the Scranton area. 3. Too many candidates. She added that "anything is possible" when asked if she might run.