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Nutter makes rounds in D.C.

WASHINGTON - For Michael Nutter, even life in the nation's capital is good. The Democratic nominee for mayor of Philadelphia was greeted warmly yesterday by the U.S. Senate leadership, who promised attention to the urban agenda.

Philadelphia mayoral candidate Michael Nutter (left) meets with a pair of Democratic senators, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (center) of Illinois and Pennsylvania freshman Robert Casey Jr.
Philadelphia mayoral candidate Michael Nutter (left) meets with a pair of Democratic senators, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (center) of Illinois and Pennsylvania freshman Robert Casey Jr.Read more

WASHINGTON - For Michael Nutter, even life in the nation's capital is good.

The Democratic nominee for mayor of Philadelphia was greeted warmly yesterday by the U.S. Senate leadership, who promised attention to the urban agenda.

For his part, Nutter said he would make regular trips to Washington and intended to make better use of Pennsylvania's "powerful" congressional delegation to advance the city's interests.

"So what's next?" asked Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D., Ill.), as Nutter explained his status as mayor-presumptive.

"Well, Democrats have a 5-to-1 edge in registrations. We haven't elected a Republican in nearly 60 years, and I'm going to make sure I'm not an asterisk," Nutter replied.

Knowing laughter was shared by others in the room, including freshman Sen. Robert Casey Jr. (D., Pa.) and former Philadelphia congressman William H. Gray, who was guiding Nutter through the byways of the Capitol. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) joined the 15-minute meeting halfway through.

Earlier, Nutter met with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) as well as Philadelphia-area Democrats Allyson Schwartz and Bob Brady. He later met with Chaka Fattah - like Brady, a defeated opponent in the mayoral primary.

If he becomes mayor, Nutter said in an interview, "I'm going to spend a lot of time in Washington and Harrisburg. We have an incredibly powerful [congressional] delegation."

Nutter cited Fattah's Appropriations Committee seat, Schwartz's position on Ways and Means, Brady's new chairmanship of House Administration, and the latter's close relationship with Rep. John Murtha (D., Pa.), who heads Defense Appropriations.

"We need to better utilize them for the benefit of the city," said Nutter, a former investment banker turned politician. "The city needs to change its relationship with our suburban partners, and with Washington and Harrisburg."

During his administration, Mayor Street has not been a frequent visitor to Washington.

In the course of the courtesy meeting, Nutter and Durbin discussed education issues and the recent departure of Philadelphia schools chief Paul Vallas, with whom the senator worked in the Illinois legislature.

"Politics in big cities grinds up CEOs and superintendents," Nutter said.

Durbin pledged that the Democratic majority in Congress would address issues important to Philadelphia and other cities, "and, hopefully, a new president will help," Durbin added.

After Gray's cell phone played "Amazing Grace," providing some comic relief, Reid arrived and Nutter filled him in on some Philadelphia government factoids.

"You have 22,000 city employees?" Reid said with wonder in his voice. "Gee, Christmas!"

Indicating he's heard that reaction before, Nutter noted that New York City has 33,000 police officers alone. "Public safety is our No. 1 challenge in Philadelphia," Nutter added.

Before Reid ended the meeting, Nutter returned the courtesy of the visit. "You've been a tremendous outspoken leader, and people are paying attention. They are looking for that kind of leadership," said the former city councilman.

Reid nodded and got up to leave. The ring had been kissed, and it was time to move on.