Philadelphia Controller Eyes The 2015 Mayor's Race
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- District Attorney Seth Williams and Controller Alan Butkovitz will be sworn in to new terms in office later this morning.
But those attending the inaugural may be more focused on the 2015 mayor's race, in which Butkovitz hopes to play a major role.
Alan Butkovitz is being sworn in to a third term as Controller but its well-known that he has his eyes on the mayor's office.
Political analyst Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says Butkovitz will likely use his inaugural speech with an eye on that larger prize:
"Typically what you'll find in inaugural speeches is an assessment of a career, the goals, looking forward. Politicians being politicians, they're certainly always looking forward. The positioning includes making a strong case for, in this case, why another term as Controller makes him best able to lead the city as mayor. You don't have to say it in those words, but you can talk about your understanding of the problems of the city, particularly the fiscal problems and some others. And in that way, you can position yourself to move forward."
The audience at the Academy of Music is also likely to several others who are expected to run for mayor.
The list of others who've been attached to that mayoral buzz include State Senator Anthony Williams, Council members Jim Kenney and Bill Green as well as Council President Darrell Clarke.
Madonna predicts that the May 2015 Democratic primary could bring a crowded and competitive contest:
"Its shaping up to be a very competitive Democratic primary, should all of the candidates who we hear the buzz about actually decide to run."
District Attorney Seth Williams, who is being sworn in to a second term, says "at this point" he has no intention of running for mayor in 2015, but adds, "you never say never." Seth Williams has already endorsed Anthony Williams for mayor.
