Philly Mayor Said to Be Subject of Probe

[Freddie Stubbs]

PHILADELPHIA Oct. 11 — As Mayor John F. Street's campaign foundered amid speculation about why his office was bugged, a federal official confirmed the mayor is a "subject" in an FBI probe.

In the three days since listening devices were found in City Hall, Street has said repeatedly that he has been told by federal prosecutors that he is not a suspect in a criminal investigation.

But a federal official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Friday that Street is a "subject" in an investigation. The legal term is used to describe a person whose conduct is within the scope of a criminal probe, although they themselves may not be suspected of breaking the law.

Speculation over whether Street or someone close to his administration could be in legal trouble has made it all but impossible for the Democratic mayor to campaign against his Republican opponent, Sam Katz.

more: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20031011_516.html

[lovedems]

1. Just weeks before the election

how interesting. I would be shocked if anything came of this. This has KKKarl's name all over it, probably with the assistance of Askkkroft. I can't believe politics has come to this, if the thugs can't win fair and square, they will just lie or steal.

[jiacinto]

2. Phila's Mayor has had lots of scandals

He is already unpopular. So I would not necessarily blame Ashcroft because Street has had a horrible tenure as mayor. Street barely won the first time in 1999 against Katz.

[Demoiselle]

5. You're making a bit of a sweeping statement...

John Street has spent 25 years in Philly's Democratic party political wars. And I mean wars. Very rough, no saints involved, lots of very ambitious people trying to push each other out of the way. Street's made his share of enemies, and he's not warm and fuzzy. But he is enormously bright, tough, and competent, and, rumors aside, nobody's ever in those 25 years made anything stick to him. And god knows they're always trying! I admire John Street. Yeah, there's some corruption in city government, the Democrats have been in charge since 1952,and one-party rule tends to breed naughtiness, but I will be truly shocked if they can implicate Street in any wrongdoing. Street has been very fiscally responsible and the city is doing very well..but rather than bore you to death with an endless recount of his accomplishments, let me just tell you a bit about his Republican opponent: Mr. Katz insists that a huge tax cut will save the city, bringing countless jobs here . He wants to borrow $750 million to fund the city's operating budget while he strips us of tax revenue. Every non partisan group that's vetted the plan says it's bullshit. Let's see...Dishonest math that turns a budget surplus into crippling deficits and a core belief that tax cuts fix everything. Sound familiar? Add in the fact that the Bushies really want to win PA in 2004 and a Republican mayor in Philadelphia would certainly help...and then here comes the FBI with a bug they had to know would be found (the Philly cops run sweeps on a regular basis) and a vague implication that Street is crooked, just 30 days before the election. After being coy for three days,the feds had to admit that he's a "subject" not a "target". (BIG difference.)
Please stay tuned and try not to jump to conclusions.

[Mandate My Ass]

3. There's an interesting development being discussed in GD

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=516714

PNI ASKS COURT FOR INFO ON PROBE
By RON GOLDWYN

The publisher of the Philadelphia Daily News wants the federal courts to come clean on why the FBI was bugging Mayor Street's office.

Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. filed a motion yesterday to intervene and compel the U.S. District Court to unseal search warrants, affidavits and other judicial records related to the probe.

PNI acted on behalf of the Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer. The papers' lawyer, Katherine Hatton, said they seek an emergency hearing Tuesday - courts are closed Monday for Columbus Day - so they can publish what they find.

"This case involves a matter of grave public concern," the brief states. It notes Street "stands for re-election in just 25 days. Speculation and accusations are rampant."

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/6987650.htm

[candy331]

4. Unpopular and scandal

seems to be the buzz words now for everything wrong in gov't. Target a few people that have been villified splash it all over the news media and voila! Is popularity now going to be the standard for office holders and as far as scandal is concerned, seems like one person's scandal is another's claim to fame.

[Demoiselle]

6. ...One more thing...

I don't know where ABC News gets the info that the investigation is making it "all but impossible" for Street to campaign. He's doing just fine in that regard...I was at a campaign gathering just last night and he was received with great enthusiasm.

[study_war_no_more]

7. Federal bureau of Idiots is a fine endorsement

I would think! I like anyone who gives the administration a moments pause to think.