KYW Poll Shows (Sam) Katz Leading (John) Street for Mayor (of Philadelphia)

kyw.com ^ | 9/23/2003 | RepublicanWizard

[republicanwizard]

"With exactly six weeks to go until Election Day, a new KYW Newsradio/ Temple University poll says Republican challenger Sam Katz is holding a six-point lead over Mayor John Street.

Low job approval ratings are affecting Mayor Street's bid for re-election. The poll shows that 47 percent of likely voters disapprove of Mayor Street's performance in office. That, and Sam Katz's support among Democrats, has led to an early lead for the Republican challenger.

The survey of 427 likely voters gives Katz 46 percent of the vote, Street 40 percent, 1 percent for other candidates, and 13 percent undecided.

The poll, taken between September 6th and 17th, has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Two underlying figures show where Mayor Street's weakness may lie. Katz leads among union voters 48 to 41 percent, and holds the support of 37 percent of Democrats. That's a major party crossover figure.

By the way, the undecided voters say they are leaning toward Katz, 49 to 43 percent. And 25 percent of those who voted for Street four years ago say they won't do it again."

[republicanwizard]

To my fellow Freepers in Pennsylvania, please do what you can to help Katz. For us to pick up the Mayorship of a city that is 50% African-American would be a feat beyond our fondest expectations.

GO KATZ!

[republicanwizard]

I consider this race highly important. It is fully the equal of any of the Governorships up this year. If a Republican is elected in Philly, it would say a lot about the state of the Democratic Party.

As I see it, there are five big races this year:

1. California Governor
2. Kentucky Governor
3. Louisiana Governor
4. Mississippi Governor
5. Philadelphia Mayor

[Mo1]

The survey of 427 likely voters gives Katz 46 percent of the vote, Street 40 percent, 1 percent for other candidates, and 13 percent undecided.

Does this include the deceased registered voters??

[dirtboy]

Does this include the deceased registered voters??

Nah. They never answer the phone, they only vote.

[republicanwizard]

Not to my knowledge. :)

[republicanwizard]

Hey, hey, let's stop picking on Philly! Cheesesteaks for everyone!

[blackdog]

He was bested last time by how many? Four points I think.

Fast Eddie and his mob will stop at nothing to hold tight. Look for fraud big-time.

I place more faith in the black community than you. Sure it's been slow, but they have gotten just what they wanted too many times now.

For the same reason the black community will not buy a car from a black owned car dealership, they will vote for Katz. They no longer trust their own political hacks or the sham business enterprises they fleece the public with.

[general_re]

Thank you for (parenthetically) filling in (the) blanks for those (of us) not from Philadephia (PA).

[republicanwizard]

I am fairly confident that Katz will receive enough African-American votes to pull this thing through. I'm not sure what role Fast Eddie will play in the race. He made many endorsements last year, and all his candidates went down to defeat. If he barely pulled Street across the finish line last time, I don't know how he will do it this time.

[republicanwizard]

Your post reminds me of Tom Ridge's campaign slogan from 1994.

I'm the guy no one has ever heard of (Tom Ridge) from the place no one has ever been to (Erie).

[ExpatCanuck]

Steet is inept at best and corrupt at worst. Katz lost by a very slim margin the last time and I hope he pulls it off this time. As per the some other posts here, watch for dirty tricks to kick into full gear as the Street campaign realizes which way the tide is turning.

[general_re]

Hey, I've been to Erie. Well, through Erie on my way to other places, anyway - does that count? ;)

[radiohead]

Any word on what Katz wants to do with the Philly wage tax? I lived and worked in Philly for 10 years. The wage tax kept businesses and middle income people out of Philly when I was there. I can't imagine the economic situation has gotten much better (I left in '97).

A Republican for mayor in Philly? Anyone check the temperature in hell? : )

[mondonico]

"Four points"--I think it was more like 4000 votes. Well within the margin of fraud generated by the miraculous 100% turnout in pro-Street precincts.

[kylaka]

Street only won by 5000 votes last time. After winning, he promptly turned around and pissed off every city union in sight during contract negotiations. Winning this time will be a very uphill battle for him. Unless he runs a very slick campaign he will not win.

[OldFriend]

The votes are being loaded into the machines as we speak. There will be a 110% voter turnout in 'certain' neighborhoods.

[Mannaggia l'America]

It's kind of funny (actually sad) how they are reporting this on the radio station.

They are saying that "Katz is leading Street by a hair".

If Street was ahead by 6%, they would be saying "Street is trouncing Katz".

[ExpatCanuck]

Unless he runs a very slick campaign he will not win.

Given his penchant for putting sycophants in important positions, the campaign will be anything but slick.

[Kenny Bunk]

Your slam against the enthusiasm of Philly voters is terrible!

Whereas the rest of America is lucky to have turn-out in the low 40s,percentage-wise; Philly regularly turns out 98-102% in some districts. No one remarks that some districts turn out more votes than residents, nevermind registered residents.

Vote fraud in Philly is like that culinary abomination, the 'Cheese Steak," just part of the unusual local culture. Gore stole the state, and no one did a goddam thing about it. Ed Rendell, the present GOV, spearheaded a campaign to illegally register 100,000+ aliens in Philly alone, and got away with it.

Republican Mayor? Yo, right! Fuggedaboutit.

[aynrandfreak]

Should we expect more firebombings to Katz's HQ if the polls stay like this?

[Tribune7]

wow. A Republican mayor of Philly. I have trouble grasping that concept.

[republicanwizard]

Here are some more numbers:

Favorables:

Katz 60%
Street 47%

Unfavorables

Katz 20%
Street 43%

I've heard that Street had an outburst over the weekend, screaming at city employees.

It should be interesting to see how these remaining weeks go in the city of Brotherly Love.

[republicanwizard]

So do I. Maybe Chicago will elect a Republican soon.

When that happens, the temperature in Hell will read Absolute Zero.

[tsomer]

No one remarks that some districts turn out more votes than residents,

Unbelievable, the way the city leaches wages and then whines as business after business shuts down.

How can a city get away with siphoning non-residents' wages? And, why shouldn't a taxpayer have the right to vote where they are required to pay these taxes? Franchising wage-earners would bring decent government back.

Has anyone ever studied the legal ramifications of this? Could legal redress be pursued?

[sphinx]

There will be a 110% voter turnout in 'certain' neighborhoods.

Don't be so cynical. People in cemeteries have lots of time on their hands, and voting is a social outlet for them.

[jmaroneps37]

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mo1]

Your slam against the enthusiasm of Philly voters is terrible!

I was born and raised in Philly ..

Not only do our dead vote .. They vote in alphabetical order .. just ask "Lucien Blackwell all about it.

The last mayoral election .. I found it kind of interesting how after the power was knocked out from the storm .. it was the Republican districts that never got their power restored .. hench those voters couldn't vote

As for the high % of voter turn out .. it occurs in many of the big cities across the nation ..It's been going on for years

[Kenny Bunk]

I keep listening to Pubbie mouth-pieces from George on down through Rush Limbaugh. Not one word about voter fraud ... ever. From Ahnolt in CACA-land, not a peep.

DOJ flooded Baltimore with agents for the gubernatorial race last time: guess what? A straight(er) vote for the first time since George Washington visited. Flooded Missouri with agents: same result. Straight(er) vote: Republican win.
Pennsylvania needs the same treatment. So does California, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, Florida. Take away election fraud and watch Gore's mythical "Popular Vote Victory" disappear. It's high time somebody besides Freepers said so.

[Tribune7]

ping

[Tribune7]

ping

[Temple Owl]

Nah. They never answer the phone, they only vote.

And believe me they will. Street has this in the bag.

[Mo1]

I keep listening to Pubbie mouth-pieces from George on down through Rush Limbaugh. Not one word about voter fraud ... ever. From Ahnolt in CACA-land, not a peep.

Voter fraud in Philly has become an art form long before my grandfathers day when the big guy in town was Jack B. Kelly.. every one knew it, but they never talked about it out loud

Hopefully, the DOJ can't curb it

[Ciexyz]

Here's a good luck wish from Pittsburgh PA, but really, guys, we're talking about PHILLY here. The dead arise on All Saints Day and Election Day.

[Windcatcher]

Yup, heard about it this morning on WMMR when my alarm went off. "The Philly Guys" sounded distressed...while I do think they're funny at times, they're not secretive about the fact that they're serious Libs.

[republicanwizard]

Yeah, I know. Larry Kane can't control his excitement over anything good for Ed Rendell.

[republicanwizard]

Thanks pal!

[Unknown Freeper]

Isn't Philly the city that usually has 150% voter turnout?

[Mo1]

Correction

Hopefully, the DOJ can't curb it = CAN curb it

Sorry about that typo

[Windcatcher]

Yup. I'm waiting for the day I see truckloads of UN inspectors heading down I-95 to make sure the elections are fair...

[Windcatcher]

Let's put it this way: a few years ago I took a job in *CAMDEN* over Philly (though I don't work there anymore--too many looks from the locals that would freeze your blood).

[NittanyLion]

Don't worry, once Street's thugs turn out 105% of registered voters in some precincts, and 100% of those vote Democrat, no legitimate polls will matter.

[baseballmom]

Exactly. Katz can be 50 points ahead. Nothing matters when Philly maxes out the vote at 104%.

Remember in 2000 when Tom Ridge told Bush to hang in there in Pa? He knew we had the legitimate votes to elect Bush, but then good ol' Philly came through with 104% voter turnout. Suprise !!!

They tried the same stuff in Florida (and how many other states?), but thank God W's team had the stones to fight that one in Fl.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Ha....you beat me to the punch....... that was going to be my comment exactly! lol

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I'm just a girl from West Texas who had never seen a really big city before moving to this area (Dallas doesn't count) - the filth and the grime in certain neighborhoods in Philly is unbelievable..... I saw a car that had been wrecked, up on the sidewalk with parts lying on the ground.... there was no telling how long it had been there...... trash blowing around, weeds growing up in the cracks of the sidewalk, houses looking like they could fall down at any minute, and houses spray painted and "sort of" boarded up next to an occupied house....... I have never seen anything like this in my life - it is absolutely a crime that something isn't done about those conditions.......

[Mo1]

and houses spray painted and "sort of" boarded up next to an occupied house.......

I always tell friends .. if you see the writing on the walls .. you took a wrong turn.

It is sad what has happened to Philly .. I loved growing up there and have pictures from when my parents were younger. It sure has changed since them days

[republicanwizard]

Oh, but Ed Rendell was such a good mayor!

I know. What a joke. It's a shame Philadelphia has had Democratic Mayors for 50 years. It's why it is soon to go to 6th place as an American city. Below Phoenix for God's sake!

I'm really hoping Katz wins. Maybe he will make Philadelphia as vibrant a city as Giuliani made New York City.

[Owl_Eagle]

Not to pick on your post in particular, but you've encompassed two of the points I'd like to address:

 

Philly regularly turns out 98-102% in some districts.

 

I've looked high and low for anything to verify this.  I've checked with the Committee of Seventy and they deny that ever happened, I've spoken with Republican Ward leaders all over the city and they all deny this has ever happened.  Is there fraud?  MOST DEFINITELY!  But when people suggest the democraps would do something so patently stupid, so obviously fraudulent and then infer that the Republicans in the city are either too timid or too foolish to do anything about it, you besmirch a group that has worked extremely hard and against great odds to make the progress we have.

 

If anyone has any source to back this up, I'd truly appreciate being proven wrong, but I've asked time and again and am pretty confident it doesn't exist.

 

Ed Rendell, the present GOV, spearheaded a campaign to illegally register 100,000+ aliens in Philly alone, and got away with it.

 

Unless you're referring to the 1996 election in which Clinton had something like a 56% to 43% margin to begin with.  I'm not sure why he'd make the effort then and not in 2000 when he was head of the DNC and the voter roles only increased by about 39,000.  Also, even with the recent infestation of illegals, I still highly doubt there's 100,000 illegals in the city today.  There certainly weren't back in 2000.

 

We realize that we'll need a 6-8 point lead in order to counteract the fraud at the polls, we're almost there, though.  We think with a massive turn out the vote campaign, our own registration drive, and the luke warm support by democraps not directly on Street's payroll we may be able to pull this off and re-establish a Republican footprint in the city.

 

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

[TexasNative2000]

(I) thought exactly the (same) thing. Looks like (you) beat me to the (punch)(.)

[Kenny Bunk]

We think with a massive turn-out the vote campaign, our own registration drive,...etc etc.

Boy do I know this Republican Mantra by heart: "Turnout Can Overcome Fraud. Amen" Hope it's true for you people in Phila.

In regard to the quasi-apocryphal 100%+ turnouts. Yeah they are ALMOST the stuff of urban legend. What happens is they are adjusted almost immediately to avoid embarassment. But what's the matter with you guys? When you get precincts with 90+% turnout in an election where the rest of the precincts outside the city are at 40%, don't you get a wee bit suspicious? For example, how did Santorum win, when the head of the ticket Bush, lost? Easy answer: faked absentee ballots, on which Gore was marked, and no one else? One more research step: have the Committee of Seventy compare votes cast with the census roles for the precinct. Could be enlightening.

Rendell: He spearheaded a massive effort to register legal Russian aliens (in particular) in and around Philly, who are years away from legal voting. After the election, their registrations were invalidated, but their votes were not! Yes, a brave Republican took it to court, but it was thrown out on the lower levels. Trust me, they will be seen again.

Now with Motor Voter and a massive Mexican influx, you'll have a whole new set of problems. As I see it you are basing your Philly hope on three factors: new registrations; massive turn-out; and the hope that even Street's people are so fed up with him that they will not be as enthusiastic as usual.

The Demos will be registering new people, too. Perhaps quite a few who don't necessarily exist and so are unreachable by your team. Massive turnout? I wish you luck. In regard to the present recumbent, Rendell will be running this, not Street. With the sophisticated techniques (and street money) available to Rendell, Daley, and Donna Brazile, they can add 5% in a heartbeat. "Just get us close," says Brazile, "I'll do the rest."

Look, when it comes to vote fraud, I am one negative SOB about the urban areas in states like yours. OTOH, you guys have to stop accepting that there will be massive fraud, and stop trying to solve that problem indirectly. We have to figure out how to stop fraud two ways: institutionally through the prevention of phony reghistrations, phony absentees, and multiple voting. And I am afraid we are going to have to get tough on the streets. You'll get no help from your Governor, and since this isn't a Federal matter ... good luck to youse.