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Former Gov. Ed Rendell endorses Jim Kenney for mayor

Better late than never, as they say — former Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney today.

Ed Rendell. (Staff Photo)
Ed Rendell. (Staff Photo)Read more

Better late than never, as they say — former Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney today.

"Jim Kenney has a long history of fighting on behalf of working families and their children," Rendell said in a press release. "Through my work with him during my time as Mayor, I know that he understands that providing fair wages and increasing resources to public schools are important steps towards making Philadelphia a world class city."

In a town where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 8 to 1, Kenney's victory in November against Republican candidate Melissa Murray Bailey is nearly certain. The impact of a big political name like Rendell this late in the game is unlikely to change much about that dynamic.

In the same press release, the councilman expressed his gratitude nonetheless.

"I am honored to have the Governor's endorsement," said Kenney. "As Mayor he brought this city through a tough fiscal crisis and as Governor he demonstrated his commitment to Philadelphia's children by funding our schools."

Kenney has said that he has long been an admirer of Rendell, hinting that his future administration might take a page from the former mayor's book, were he to be elected.

"The mayors that I would emulate the most, if I could combine them, would be Ed Rendell and Dick Daley the second," Kenney said at a press conference last month, referring to Chicago's former mayor. "That combination of cheerleader enthusiast and strict taskmaster are two qualities I think are really good for a mayor."