Knox takes another step toward 2015 mayoral run

Tom Knox, the wealthy businessman who ran second to Michael Nutter in the 2007 mayoral primary, has registered a political committee, Knox for Mayor, to mount another mayoral campaign in 2015.

"I love this city and am deeply concerned about its condition," Knox said Thursday in a press release announcing the committee's registration. "Our economy is stagnant, the level of taxation is a barrier to business, our public education system is in shambles and the level of gun-related violence is unacceptable."

Knox, 72, spent $10.5 million of his own money on his 2007 effort and was running atop the polls until the last weeks of the campaign. A costumed figure calling himself "Tommy the Loan Shark" began appearing at  Knox's campaign events, raising questions about Knox's business history, and his opponents targeted Knox's 19-month experience in government, as a deputy mayor under Ed Rendell.

His release said Knox is now recruiting "seasoned campaign professionals" to join his team.

Click here for Philly.com's politics page.