Kenney to make speech on behalf of Rep. Norcross

Democratic mayoral nominee Jim Kenney's political connections stretch farther than the 215 area code.

Kenney will be crossing the Delaware River this September to attend a fund-raiser for Rep. Donald Norcross (D., N.J.) as a special guest.

Norcross represents New Jersey's First Congressional District and is running for reelection next year. He is also the brother of George E. Norcross III, a South Jersey Democratic power broker, and Philip Norcross, CEO of the Parker McCay law firm.

Kenney "supports Rep. Norcross, and being listed on an fund-raiser invitation as a 'featured guest' is a common way for politicians to express their support," Kenney spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said in an e-mail.

Since Kenney's primary campaign earlier this year, his relationship with the Norcross brothers has become more evident.

Parker McCay, for instance, donated $25,000 to the Turnout Project, a political action committee that was a significant backer of Kenney's campaign. The night of Kenney's primary election victory party, George Norcross came by to congratulate the winner.

And in September, Kenney will be going over to Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill for the Norcross fund-raiser, according to Politico, which on Friday first reported the scheduled fund-raiser.

Both sides said the fund-raiser was nothing but one Democrat helping another Democrat.

"George met Kenney years ago, through Neil Oxman of the Campaign Group," said Dan Fee, speaking on behalf of George Norcross, who was vacationing with his family.

George Norcross has been a guest over the years at Oxman's table at the Famous Fourth Street Deli on Election Day.

Calls to Donald Norcross' campaign headquarters were not returned. His congressional spokesman, Karl Parker, said he could not comment on political activities. Norcross is opposed in the primary by Alex Law, a systems analyst.

Philip Norcross could not be reached for comment.

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Inquirer staff writers Chris Brennan and Jonathan Tamari contributed to this article.