Top U.S. Security chief meets with Nutter

The nation's top security official met with Mayor Nutter, Wednesday to discuss the pope's visit in September, next summer's Democratic National Convention… and a little old-time baseball.

Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, met with Nutter for about an hour in City Hall on his way to a speaking engagement in Delaware, as Secret Service closed down the second floor hallway.

"I'm confident I will be coming back to Philadelphia before the National Convention to inspect security as I will be in Cleveland for the Republican Convention," Johnson said following the meeting, "We're here to talk about a variety of matters of mutual concern."

The city is hoping to receive upwards of $50 million in Department of Justice security funds typically given to cities who host conventions.

Johnson wouldn't say whether that's slated to happen (Congress would also have to approve).

"The federal government in a variety of ways does support the city that is selected to host the national conventions every four years and I'm confident that we in Homeland Security and Justice in Washington will work closely with the Mayor of Philadelphia to ensure a safe and secure convention," Johnson said.

The administration wants the 2016 DNC to be deemed a "National Special Security Event." The designation – already given to the pope's visit, means more collaboration with federal agencies and security support.

Nutter said he's planning a joint campaign with the mayor of Cleveland to get the necessary support. "We're going to take a targeted, coordinated approach for promoting both cities and the need for that national security grant," he said, noting Congress will have to appropriate the funds.

Added Johnson, "I can't print money."

Johnson recounted for reporters his last time in Philadelphia City Hall 30 years ago when his uncle was sworn in as health commissioner. He told the small gathering of reporters that he and Nutter bonded over a love of baseball and then proceeded to recite Richard "Dick" Allen's batting averages with the Phillies in 1968 and 1969.

Click here for Philly.com's politics page.