This is interesting. Do you guys really think the field is set?

Queena was there this weekend. It was surely interesting.

I have been thinking about this question for some time, and I can't really think of anyone else who may run.

Supporting Michael Nutter in 2007!

. . . we still don't know of any Republicans seeking the job, nor any third party candidates.

I don't know how the young progressive's on this site got such a bad outlook on John Dougherty. If any thing I would have thought the opposite. Johnny Doc is not a politician in the true sense of the word. He's a youing guy who grew up in a row house in south phila and still lives there. He learned a trade and took a interest in the way his union was being run so much that he positioned himself in becoming the business manager when he was still in his early thirties. He could have put blinders on and just sat back with that job. He did not. He got involved with neighborhood associations trying to make it better for everybody. He got involved in politics but was looked at by the established pols as a mavirick. As we all know that anyone who tries to change the way of politics in Phila will soon be an endangered species...that happened when some of our elected officials soon discovered that Doc was looking out for all around him instead of the usual tried and true "ME FIRST" way of governing.I had the honor of being appointed to the board of directors of the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia, of which John Dougherty is Chairman. Under Doc's leadership the land disposition in the authority was changed from 1960's way of doing business to a effeciant 21st century development machine. Over a billion dollars worth of construction WITHOUT TAX ABATEMENTS!!!! The most proud accomplishment of the Dougherty led board is, for me, the minority contractor inclusion into all Redevelopment Authority construction projects.Prior to Doc's tenurer as chairman of the board the minority participation was a disgrace. On of Johnny's first directives was to make sure that MBA,WBA and DBA goals were not only met but shattered.Our minority inclusion is the highest in the city the state and the region.The morale at the RDA in 2000 was sad. In 7 years it has become a place where the union members and management both got along...it became a family-like establishment because John treated everyone like they were his family.He walks through the offices and talks to every employee and sees to their needs when needed.He personally made the RDA the most "fuel effecient" agency in the city. This is just a little taste of what John Dougherty has to offer. This, along with his charity involvements,show an energy that I have not seen in any elected official. I hope and pray that the health of Johnny's Family members works out for the good. Doc is young and has his best years ahead of him. He will be a impact player for years to come. Through attrition, the old way of "me first politicions" will be a thing for history books and John Dougherty will be at the forefront of the new and improved "what can I do for you" way of city goverment. Last but not least John Dougherty for State Senate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't mean for things to get so heated. I agree that bygones should be bygones-- the Santorum issue is pretty much over. They made the wrong endorsement. It happens.

I actually think there are a lot of potential collaborative points for Local 98 and other progressive. My post about green building is one example. Healthcare for activist/artist types is another. These are all things that Local 98 and other unions could show leadership.

It's important to recognize that the labor movement in Philadelphia has already done a lot of progressive stuff. The minimum wage is the biggest example. So is their work with the transit coalition. I don't mean to paint organized labor with one brush. Dougherty is not the devil.

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http://benwaxman.com

98 Is the only Union in the city to hold super boxes at Citizen's bank park, wachovia Center and The Linc. That's progressive? Wouldn't that money be much more useful if it were spent on health care for it's members? 98 is no more then a personal advertising vechicle for Dougherty.

Try searching The National Labor Relations Board website to find out how wonderful 98 really is. Or check out the State filings for the 98's contributions to Bill Keller for the 2004 election. 98 contributed $150.000. Then look at the expenditures for Keller. $ 90.000 at Doc's Union Pub. Hmmmm how is that possible? State Senate or State Penitentiary?

Look Carmen, You should learn the rules before you lash out. #1 All union funds are separte enities and have trustees and attorneys from BOTH union and the contractor associations. The pension can not be used to pay for health care,the health fund can't be used for PAC contributions ,etc. So by stating that the money used for the super box (joint labor-management industry advancment fund)should have helped pay for health-care shows that you are in a field where you should at least do some homework. #2 when building trades unions negotiate an increase we settle on a dollar amount e.g. say $2.00 per hour for a year. That money is then discussed and VOTED on by the rank and file as to how to breakdown the $2. Maybe fifty cents into the pension thirty cents for health and welefare so much for wages and so on. it's the members who have the say and from what I can see the members of local 98 have overwhelmingly supported John Doc on everything he has done. As far as union Pac funds are concerned any member can inform the unions that they do not want to participate and the union will refund the money that has been deducted from their pay for Pac contribuitions. I have a few members who for religious reasons get refunded their Pac money. I am not in the least bit bashfull when I suport or defend someone I think you should come clean and let us know who you are posting for. It wouldn't be a certain councilman-at-large who lives in south philly??? Come on Carmen, I can see right through it!!!!!!

So what are you trying to say Carmen? We’re successful? That we promote ourselves successfully? You’re absolutely right. And you’re also right that it’s not progressive - it’s marketing! Who else has access to boxes there? Successful industry leaders is who. We are proud to be among them.

And by the way our members health care was rated #1 by consumer reports recently so we're doing just fine in that area. Thanks for your concern.

We report everything we do to comply with regulations and it is all public info and 100% legal. You and everyone else in the world with internet access can see it. For your next trick, why don't you go to Richard Bergmans Bush-sponsored union facts website and post how much I made last year?

You know what’s funny? You sound like an Eddie Kirlin wanna-be.

Explain how My son is being forced to pay $100.00 in CASH to watch the game at Docs UNION Pub? Even if you aren't going to Docs to watch the game. As for promotion. Why promote an entity that has a monopoly in the field ?? I've given it some thought why not just skip a run for Senator and jump right to President. ( Of the prison Laundry ) As the FEDS sift slowly through the boxes you will slowly become invisible here.