Famous 4th Street At It's Best

The political spectacle that is Famous Street Deli on Election Day did not disappoint this year, with Rep. Bob Brady capping the lunchtime festivities by showing up with a film crew in tow.

Brady and former City Controller Jonathan Saidel both were wearing body mikes - a fact they let people know before the conversations started. In addition to a cameraman and a sound man, they were trailed by former Daily News Editor Larry Platt, who apparently has a producing role in the effort.

By the time the entourage arrived, the scene in Famous was in full swing. Workers from the powerful electricians' union Local 98 were stationed on the corners at 4th and Bainbridge with Obama signs. Their leader, John Dougherty, arrived shortly before Brady and huddled with his guys before going into the deli.

Inside - and we hope this is a fairly comprehensive list - one could find Council members (Mark Squilla, James F. Kenney, Bobby Henon and Jannie L. Blackwell) state reps (Michael H. O'Brien and William F. Keller) a former mayor (Bill Green) and a former District Attorney (Lynne Abraham).

City Controller Alan Butkovitz, Register of Wills Ron Donatucci and state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams all made appearances as well.

With no major local races dominating the ballot in the presidential cycle, the gabbing and speculation centered largely around turnout, which most everyone agreed seemed to be high so far in Philadelphia.

Click herefor Philly.com's politics page.