WASHINGTON – Bob Brady is sticking with Chaka Fattah in next year's Democratic primary.
Brady, chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic party, said Thursday he will endorse his fellow Philadelphia Congressman as the embattled incumbent faces four challengers next April.
"I'm for Chaka, innocent until proven guilty," Brady said in an interview. "I don't switch, I'm supporting him."
Fattah, indicted on corruption charges and with his campaign fund dwindling, faces a challenge from four Democrats in next year's primary: state Reps. Dwight Evans and Brian Sims, Ninth Ward Leader Dan Muroff, and Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian A. Gordon.
Brady's support for a fellow congressman is perhaps not surprising, but could be significant, given his potential to provide party backing, which could help make up for Fattah's diminished campaign account.
Fattah has been forced to spend heavily on his legal defense after being indicted in July on charges of using his campaign funds, charities and federal grants to bankroll a failed 2007 Philadelphia mayoral bid. He has said he is innocent and hopes to serve in Congress for another decade.
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