Saidel drops out of race for Congress, citing interest from Margolies

Former City Controller Jonathan Saidel is dropping his bid to replace U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz in the 13th Congressional District, citing the interest in the race from former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies.

Saidel, in a statement released to PhillyClout, made clear that Democrats are starting to line up behind Margolies, including former President Bill Clinton, a fund-raising powerhouse. Margolies' son is married to Clinton's daughter.

"Over the past few days, I have had conversations with Marjorie Margolies and national Democratic leaders," Saidel said. "I respect the Clinton family's support of Marjorie as family and friend and in recognition for her deciding vote for the Clinton budget cast 20 years ago this summer."

Margolies, a former television reporter, served one term in the 13th Congressional District, which now covers parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. She lost re-election after changing her 1993 vote to support Clinton's controversial federal budget.

Don't expect Saidel, who served as City Controller for 16 years, to give up on public office.  He also ran for lieutenant governor in 2010 and briefly for mayor in 2006.

Could Saidel be considering another run for mayor in 2015? The first line of his statement says "public service is in my blood."

"I believe I still have much to offer in elected office representing the citizens of Philadelphia, our region and our state," Saidel said. "I continue to remain open to future opportunities currently being discussed by our Democratic leaders and myself."