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Keith Goodman pulls out of race for mayor

Some political careers span decades. Others last less than a month. Two Democrats who declared as candidates for mayor last month did not meet Tuesday's deadline to file nomination petitions to be listed on the May 19 primary ballot.

The Rev. Keith Goodman cited his ministerial duties in decision not to run. (Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer)
The Rev. Keith Goodman cited his ministerial duties in decision not to run. (Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer)Read more

Some political careers span decades. Others last less than a month.

Two Democrats who declared as candidates for mayor last month did not meet Tuesday's deadline to file nomination petitions to be listed on the May 19 primary ballot.

The Rev. Keith Goodman, pastor of the North Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church, cited his duties as a minister as the reason for his decision.

"In the last month, I have had to conduct four funerals," said Goodman, who declared for mayor on Feb. 15. "Although I do feel the call to be in elected office, I also feel that the immediate need is to minister to these families and that at this time, my strongest role is to be an advocate for families with special-needs children and who are suffering from the effects of violence and crime."

Goodman said he would follow the race and "eventually throw my support to one of the candidates before the primary."

Goodman moved back to Philadelphia in January and did not register to vote until two days after he announced his candidacy. That put him at risk of a legal challenge to his candidacy. The City Charter says mayoral candidates must live in the city for three years before the election.

Retired tow-truck driver Juan Rodriguez, who launched his mayoral campaign on Feb. 19 in a North Philadelphia bar that advertises "exotic dancers," also did not file nomination petitions by Tuesday's deadline.

Rodriguez, who had said he was also contemplating a run for the Seventh District Council seat, also did not file for that race.