Chris BrennanWhat I DoI write about politics at the federal, state, and local level. I also lead Clout, an often irreverent column on people, power, and politics.(215) 854-5973A look back at Clout’s top moments as its lead reporter says goodbyeIf the Clout column had a Mount Rushmore, which four faces would you expect to see carved in the granite up there?Chris Brennan Jan. 12, 2024Link copied to clipboardFormer Mayor Street’s grandson was arrested for ‘protecting his grandfather’ during a scuffle at Parker’s inaugurationSharif Street Jr., grandson of the former mayor and son of State Sen. Sharif Street, was arrested for allegedly punching a security guard at an entrance to the venue.Chris Brennan Jan. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboardPennsylvania’s Democratic Party is likely to vote to oppose vouchers Josh Shapiro supportedJosh Shapiro's first year as governor showed he's skilled at scoring political wins that gain national attention while his political party is not shy about handing him a loss.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboardPa. Society squabble: Nikil Saval, Duane Morris, and the Rainbow Room party guest listState Sen. Nikil Saval claims he was briefly blocked from entering a Pennsylvania Society party because of his stance on Gaza. The law firm throwing the party said he just failed to RSVP.Chris Brennan Dec. 5, 2023Link copied to clipboardPennsylvania GOP is considering an early endorsement in AG raceYork County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who has been building support since he announced his candidacy for attorney general in June, appears to be the front-runner for the GOP endorsement.Chris Brennan and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe Pa. Attorney General’s race is getting even messier with a new contenderKatayoun “Kat” Copeland, a career prosecutor and former Delaware County district attorney, is expected to declare her candidacy for Pennsylvania attorney general on Monday.Chris Brennan Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboardClout’s three questions: Kenney’s legacy, presidential nominees and prison for Trump and DoughertyClout wanted to know: What is Jim Kenney's legacy? Who will be nominated for president? And who goes to prison first, Donald Trump or John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty?Chris Brennan and Julia Terruso Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe Philadelphia City Commissioners ousted their chair as they prepare to run the 2024 electionPhiladelphia’s City Commissioners start what is sure to be a year of intense scrutiny with new leadership after ousting Democrat Lisa Deeley as chair Wednesday.Chris Brennan Jan. 10, 2024Link copied to clipboardCherelle Parker is publicly sworn in as Philly mayor; inauguration ball at the Fillmore underwayCherelle Parker is Philadelphia's 100th mayor and the first woman to hold the office in the city's history.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Chris Brennan, Gillian McGoldrick, and Aliya Schneider Jan. 3, 2024Link copied to clipboardPhilly’s soda tax was once a huge controversy — and now is a big part of Jim Kenney’s legacyThe tax caused a political uproar that flooded City Hall with millions of dollars in lobbying but today all the fizz has gone out of the controversy.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboardBob Casey and Dave McCormick play nice and the attorney general race heats up at Pennsylvania SocietyPennsylvania Society, that ritzy conclave of people, power, and politics, assembled in Manhattan over the weekend for the 125th time. Candidates jockeyed for support on the 2024 ballot.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboardCherelle Parker, Bob Casey, Dave McCormick, and other Pa. politicians are headed to Manhattan. Here’s what to watch for.Pennsylvania politicians will descend on New York City for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, and we'll be on the lookout for news.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 1, 2023Link copied to clipboardRepublican AG group backs York DA Dave Sunday after spat with State Rep. Craig WilliamsThe Republican Attorneys General Association backed York County District Attorney Dave Sunday Monday after a nasty fight recently with a would-be contender, State Rep. Craig Williams.Chris Brennan Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboardDelco rejects Democrats’ call to remove three Republican judgesJudges Richard M. Cappelli, Barry M. Dozor, and William C. Mackrides held onto their seats Tuesday night.Jesse Bunch and Chris Brennan Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboardCherelle Parker’s inauguration included an awkward shout-out and high-profile scuffle; Joe Biden comes to town“I’m not sure if it’s true, but someone told me that we have Mayor Eric Adams from New York here," Parker said. "Wherever you are, hello Mr. Mayor.”Chris Brennan Jan. 5, 2024Link copied to clipboardThe Democratic State Committee is mulling endorsements for Pa. treasurer, auditor general, and attorney generalPennsylvania voters will decide on major party candidates for state row offices in the 2024 primary election.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboardJim Kenney dishes out shade for Democrats who lost the primary for mayor Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney was talking legacy near the end of his second term when Clout asked about the Democrats who want his job. He didn't hold back.Chris Brennan and Anna Orso Dec. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboardBob Casey and Dave McCormick preview nice-guy Senate race at Pa. Society event in New YorkTheir remarks at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan previewed what both men have indicated will be a hotly contested but cordial race.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe ‘faith-based’ leader for Philly’s Moms for Liberty chapter is a registered sex offenderPhillip Fisher Jr., a pastor and Republican ward leader who coordinates faith-based outreach for Philadelphia’s Moms For Liberty chapter, pleaded guilty in 2012 to a charge of aggravated sexual abuse.Chris Brennan Nov. 20, 2023Link copied to clipboardWhile union powerhouse ‘Johnny Doc’ is on trial, the Building Trades are still pulling their weight politically The unions scored a big win with Parker's victory and two losses in City Council races. They'll maintain influence in City Hall despite the legal troubles of Johnny Doc, their former leader.Chris Brennan Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
A look back at Clout’s top moments as its lead reporter says goodbyeIf the Clout column had a Mount Rushmore, which four faces would you expect to see carved in the granite up there?Chris Brennan Jan. 12, 2024Link copied to clipboard
A look back at Clout’s top moments as its lead reporter says goodbyeIf the Clout column had a Mount Rushmore, which four faces would you expect to see carved in the granite up there?Chris Brennan Jan. 12, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Former Mayor Street’s grandson was arrested for ‘protecting his grandfather’ during a scuffle at Parker’s inaugurationSharif Street Jr., grandson of the former mayor and son of State Sen. Sharif Street, was arrested for allegedly punching a security guard at an entrance to the venue.Chris Brennan Jan. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Former Mayor Street’s grandson was arrested for ‘protecting his grandfather’ during a scuffle at Parker’s inaugurationSharif Street Jr., grandson of the former mayor and son of State Sen. Sharif Street, was arrested for allegedly punching a security guard at an entrance to the venue.Chris Brennan Jan. 4, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party is likely to vote to oppose vouchers Josh Shapiro supportedJosh Shapiro's first year as governor showed he's skilled at scoring political wins that gain national attention while his political party is not shy about handing him a loss.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party is likely to vote to oppose vouchers Josh Shapiro supportedJosh Shapiro's first year as governor showed he's skilled at scoring political wins that gain national attention while his political party is not shy about handing him a loss.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Society squabble: Nikil Saval, Duane Morris, and the Rainbow Room party guest listState Sen. Nikil Saval claims he was briefly blocked from entering a Pennsylvania Society party because of his stance on Gaza. The law firm throwing the party said he just failed to RSVP.Chris Brennan Dec. 5, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pa. Society squabble: Nikil Saval, Duane Morris, and the Rainbow Room party guest listState Sen. Nikil Saval claims he was briefly blocked from entering a Pennsylvania Society party because of his stance on Gaza. The law firm throwing the party said he just failed to RSVP.Chris Brennan Dec. 5, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pennsylvania GOP is considering an early endorsement in AG raceYork County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who has been building support since he announced his candidacy for attorney general in June, appears to be the front-runner for the GOP endorsement.Chris Brennan and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Pennsylvania GOP is considering an early endorsement in AG raceYork County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who has been building support since he announced his candidacy for attorney general in June, appears to be the front-runner for the GOP endorsement.Chris Brennan and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Pa. Attorney General’s race is getting even messier with a new contenderKatayoun “Kat” Copeland, a career prosecutor and former Delaware County district attorney, is expected to declare her candidacy for Pennsylvania attorney general on Monday.Chris Brennan Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Pa. Attorney General’s race is getting even messier with a new contenderKatayoun “Kat” Copeland, a career prosecutor and former Delaware County district attorney, is expected to declare her candidacy for Pennsylvania attorney general on Monday.Chris Brennan Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Clout’s three questions: Kenney’s legacy, presidential nominees and prison for Trump and DoughertyClout wanted to know: What is Jim Kenney's legacy? Who will be nominated for president? And who goes to prison first, Donald Trump or John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty?Chris Brennan and Julia Terruso Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Clout’s three questions: Kenney’s legacy, presidential nominees and prison for Trump and DoughertyClout wanted to know: What is Jim Kenney's legacy? Who will be nominated for president? And who goes to prison first, Donald Trump or John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty?Chris Brennan and Julia Terruso Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Philadelphia City Commissioners ousted their chair as they prepare to run the 2024 electionPhiladelphia’s City Commissioners start what is sure to be a year of intense scrutiny with new leadership after ousting Democrat Lisa Deeley as chair Wednesday.Chris Brennan Jan. 10, 2024Link copied to clipboard
The Philadelphia City Commissioners ousted their chair as they prepare to run the 2024 electionPhiladelphia’s City Commissioners start what is sure to be a year of intense scrutiny with new leadership after ousting Democrat Lisa Deeley as chair Wednesday.Chris Brennan Jan. 10, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker is publicly sworn in as Philly mayor; inauguration ball at the Fillmore underwayCherelle Parker is Philadelphia's 100th mayor and the first woman to hold the office in the city's history.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Chris Brennan, Gillian McGoldrick, and Aliya Schneider Jan. 3, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker is publicly sworn in as Philly mayor; inauguration ball at the Fillmore underwayCherelle Parker is Philadelphia's 100th mayor and the first woman to hold the office in the city's history.Rob Tornoe, Nick Vadala, Anna Orso, Sean Collins Walsh, Chris Brennan, Gillian McGoldrick, and Aliya Schneider Jan. 3, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s soda tax was once a huge controversy — and now is a big part of Jim Kenney’s legacyThe tax caused a political uproar that flooded City Hall with millions of dollars in lobbying but today all the fizz has gone out of the controversy.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Philly’s soda tax was once a huge controversy — and now is a big part of Jim Kenney’s legacyThe tax caused a political uproar that flooded City Hall with millions of dollars in lobbying but today all the fizz has gone out of the controversy.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Casey and Dave McCormick play nice and the attorney general race heats up at Pennsylvania SocietyPennsylvania Society, that ritzy conclave of people, power, and politics, assembled in Manhattan over the weekend for the 125th time. Candidates jockeyed for support on the 2024 ballot.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Casey and Dave McCormick play nice and the attorney general race heats up at Pennsylvania SocietyPennsylvania Society, that ritzy conclave of people, power, and politics, assembled in Manhattan over the weekend for the 125th time. Candidates jockeyed for support on the 2024 ballot.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker, Bob Casey, Dave McCormick, and other Pa. politicians are headed to Manhattan. Here’s what to watch for.Pennsylvania politicians will descend on New York City for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, and we'll be on the lookout for news.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 1, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker, Bob Casey, Dave McCormick, and other Pa. politicians are headed to Manhattan. Here’s what to watch for.Pennsylvania politicians will descend on New York City for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, and we'll be on the lookout for news.Chris Brennan, Julia Terruso, and Gillian McGoldrick Dec. 1, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Republican AG group backs York DA Dave Sunday after spat with State Rep. Craig WilliamsThe Republican Attorneys General Association backed York County District Attorney Dave Sunday Monday after a nasty fight recently with a would-be contender, State Rep. Craig Williams.Chris Brennan Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Republican AG group backs York DA Dave Sunday after spat with State Rep. Craig WilliamsThe Republican Attorneys General Association backed York County District Attorney Dave Sunday Monday after a nasty fight recently with a would-be contender, State Rep. Craig Williams.Chris Brennan Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Delco rejects Democrats’ call to remove three Republican judgesJudges Richard M. Cappelli, Barry M. Dozor, and William C. Mackrides held onto their seats Tuesday night.Jesse Bunch and Chris Brennan Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Delco rejects Democrats’ call to remove three Republican judgesJudges Richard M. Cappelli, Barry M. Dozor, and William C. Mackrides held onto their seats Tuesday night.Jesse Bunch and Chris Brennan Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker’s inauguration included an awkward shout-out and high-profile scuffle; Joe Biden comes to town“I’m not sure if it’s true, but someone told me that we have Mayor Eric Adams from New York here," Parker said. "Wherever you are, hello Mr. Mayor.”Chris Brennan Jan. 5, 2024Link copied to clipboard
Cherelle Parker’s inauguration included an awkward shout-out and high-profile scuffle; Joe Biden comes to town“I’m not sure if it’s true, but someone told me that we have Mayor Eric Adams from New York here," Parker said. "Wherever you are, hello Mr. Mayor.”Chris Brennan Jan. 5, 2024Link copied to clipboard
The Democratic State Committee is mulling endorsements for Pa. treasurer, auditor general, and attorney generalPennsylvania voters will decide on major party candidates for state row offices in the 2024 primary election.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Democratic State Committee is mulling endorsements for Pa. treasurer, auditor general, and attorney generalPennsylvania voters will decide on major party candidates for state row offices in the 2024 primary election.Chris Brennan Dec. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Jim Kenney dishes out shade for Democrats who lost the primary for mayor Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney was talking legacy near the end of his second term when Clout asked about the Democrats who want his job. He didn't hold back.Chris Brennan and Anna Orso Dec. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Jim Kenney dishes out shade for Democrats who lost the primary for mayor Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney was talking legacy near the end of his second term when Clout asked about the Democrats who want his job. He didn't hold back.Chris Brennan and Anna Orso Dec. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Casey and Dave McCormick preview nice-guy Senate race at Pa. Society event in New YorkTheir remarks at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan previewed what both men have indicated will be a hotly contested but cordial race.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Casey and Dave McCormick preview nice-guy Senate race at Pa. Society event in New YorkTheir remarks at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan previewed what both men have indicated will be a hotly contested but cordial race.Julia Terruso and Chris Brennan Dec. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The ‘faith-based’ leader for Philly’s Moms for Liberty chapter is a registered sex offenderPhillip Fisher Jr., a pastor and Republican ward leader who coordinates faith-based outreach for Philadelphia’s Moms For Liberty chapter, pleaded guilty in 2012 to a charge of aggravated sexual abuse.Chris Brennan Nov. 20, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The ‘faith-based’ leader for Philly’s Moms for Liberty chapter is a registered sex offenderPhillip Fisher Jr., a pastor and Republican ward leader who coordinates faith-based outreach for Philadelphia’s Moms For Liberty chapter, pleaded guilty in 2012 to a charge of aggravated sexual abuse.Chris Brennan Nov. 20, 2023Link copied to clipboard
While union powerhouse ‘Johnny Doc’ is on trial, the Building Trades are still pulling their weight politically The unions scored a big win with Parker's victory and two losses in City Council races. They'll maintain influence in City Hall despite the legal troubles of Johnny Doc, their former leader.Chris Brennan Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard
While union powerhouse ‘Johnny Doc’ is on trial, the Building Trades are still pulling their weight politically The unions scored a big win with Parker's victory and two losses in City Council races. They'll maintain influence in City Hall despite the legal troubles of Johnny Doc, their former leader.Chris Brennan Nov. 10, 2023Link copied to clipboard