Knox not expected to run, but what else is he up to?

Tom Knox is expected to announce Tuesday that he will not run for Mayor, sources said, but that news does not completely dispel the mystery around his plans.

Knox would not say Monday whether or not he would run, but sources close to him said he has decided not to. Knox will make his announcment Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. That is the same time and place that former Gov. Ed Rendell will appear to endorse Michael Nutter for his second term as a mayor.

Knox, a multimillionaire businessman, did say, "You'll be surprised at the people there and you'll be surprised at the announcement," Knox said.

Two sources who have spoken with Knox said he will not run in the primary or general elections.

Sheila Simmons, spokesperson for Nutter's campaign, said she could not comment on Knox's plans.

The Hyatt at the Bellevue said it had no events scheduled for Knox but did have one for Nutter.

Knox reportedly could not count on the support of deep-pocketed labor leader John Dougherty, business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Reached last night, Dougherty said only that he had several conversations with Mayor Nutter over the past two weeks about Nutter's reelection. Dougherty, who appears focused on City Council races, said he would have more than 7,000 people out on primary election day.

If Knox announces that he is not running, Nutter's only opposition in the primary will be Milton Street, brother of former Mayor John Street.

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