Gillen drops out of race for mayor

TERRY GILLEN, the first of four candidates to enter the race for the Democratic nomination for Philadelphia mayor, called it quits yesterday.

Money, or the lack of it, was given as the reason for the surprise announcement made by Gillen, a former adviser to Mayor Nutter and to former Mayor Ed Rendell.

"Even though we did really well in terms of fundraising, it was not enough to run the type of campaign that I wanted to run," Gillen told the Daily News.

Gillen said that her campaign had raised more than $225,000 from more than 500 donors since she entered the race Sept. 6.

But that was far short of the $2 million that some candidates had raised during the 2007 mayoral primary race for television ads, Gillen said.

She broke the news to her supporters in an email, thanking them for "unwavering support."

"This decision was difficult because of the hundreds of supporters who have generously made donations, volunteered in the office and hosted house parties all over Philadelphia," Gillen wrote. "But I feel that asking my supporters to donate more time, money and commitment cannot be justified under current circumstances."

Gillen said that any money left over after paying bills would be returned to donors. She said she had given no thought to whom she would support in the May 19 primary.

Still in the race are state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, former City Solicitor Kenneth Trujillo and former District Attorney Lynne Abraham.

During more than 20 years in government, Gillen has served as executive director of the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia and as deputy city commerce director.

"I am proud that we have run a positive, grassroots, idea-driven campaign," Gillen wrote to her supporters. "Strengthening public education, creating good jobs, and continuing to push for ethics in city government have been central to my campaign. I will continue to utilize my experience along with your continued support to address these issues in the near future."