Political Notes from iraq to Philadelphia - From Brady, Rizzo and Rendell
The stage is now set for a remarkable few days that will determine the future of the Middle East. President Bush’s meeting with Iraq PM Maliki comes 36 hours after the President of Iraq flew to a summit in Iran. It will come just 72 hours after a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. And it will follow by days the murder of a key lawmaker in Lebanon. Add to all of this the apparent attempt by Syria’s leaders to try and stifle a U.N. investigation of the murder two years ago of a former Lebanese Prime Minister.
Things are moving in the Middle East. Where they are headed is anybody’s guess but there is linkage between these events.
Ironically, all the bad news from Iraq may prompt more diplomacy with one goal in mind: getting the regional powers to finally share in the burden of stopping the violence in Iraq.
Back home in our region: expect comments soon from Philadelphia Congressman Bob Brady about his intentions to run for Mayor. My guess is that he will skip the race. But Brady is keeping his decision close to the vest.
Also watch for Governor Rendell to shortly nominate someone to fill the remaining two years of State Treasurer Bob Casey’s term. Casey will vacate that office when he is sworn in early January as a U.S. Senator. Rendell will nominate a caretaker, someone who agrees not to see a full term in two years. The legislature will not confirm anyone but a caretaker.
Other notes: Philadelphia City Councilman Frank Rizzo is considering a run for Mayor in the Demoratic Primary. One downside: he would have to give up his Council seat if he runs. But Rizzo is taking a serious look.
There’s been a bit of a buzz lately that NJ Governor Jon Corzine may run for President. Don’t count on it. It would be bad form for the ambitious Corzine to launch a White House run just a year into his term.
