Chaka Fattah

Here's my third in my, Philadelphia Mayoral Race 2007 series.

Initial Impressions

Nothing bad to say, but I feel like he's really good at winning his (my district) but that's all I know about him. Oh and his wife is Renee Chenault-Fattah.

Actual Research

Chaka Fattah is currently the US Representative for PA 2^nd district. He's been there since 1994. He got there from knocking out the incumbent representative, Lucien Blackwell, in the Democratic Primary. Knocking out an incumbent Democrat in Philadelphia, in a primary? I thought such feats were impossible. Blackwell was the mentor of the current mayor, John Street. I don't know this for sure, but I would think that would give him some enemies in the current administration. (Which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.) But that's my inference; I've seen nothing to back that up. In fact, I've heard rumors that he and the current administration get along very well.

He's got good ratings from labor and other traditional Democratic base organizations. His positions seem to put him in the same exact ideological place as Bob Brady, although some seem to stand out a bit. He seems, looking at his Project Vote Smart questionnaire, to be unable to place any priorities on spending. Additionally he gets some flak from law enforcement types for openly calling for a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal. Personally, I don't care on which side of the case he takes. That he did at all is a big detraction as, for the most, part professional politicians that get involved in that case tend to be crass opportunists, whether you are calling for a new trial, or condemning St. Denis for naming at street Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal. (Or naming a street Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal for that matter.)

I have no idea how he would do as Mayor. I don't think that a legislative position in DC makes him a strong candidate for an executive position like mayor. And frankly, if I was going to vote for congressman, at this point I like Bob Brady slightly better. But having had this thought, I think I have to say that so far all of the candidates I've looked into are found wanting.

April 12, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:49 PM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Comments

My perception of Fattah is largely from the mid-90s, but he made a strong, positive impression on me back then. Blackwell was a national embarrassment with good connections and it was a relief to get him out of office. If I were still a Philly voter, Fattah would have a good start on getting my support. For what that's worth.

Posted by: Jeff Porten at April 13, 2007 5:46 PM