John Street and Tom Knox leave Democrats, fueling buzz

Two notable Philadelphians have changed their voter registrations.

Tom Knox has become an independent and said he changed his registration for one reason and one reason only.

“I did it on the off chance that Milton Street could win this election and I want to be prepared to run against him and that’s the only reason I did it,” Knox said.

Knox said Milton Street has won the endorsement of several municipal unions and he’s concerned that Street could win the primary against  incumbent Mayor Michael Nutter,

“Some people think I did it because I’m going to run against Michael in the fall. I said I wasn’t and I’m not,” he said.

Nutter said he isn’t concerned about Knox’s registration change, saying he is doing everything he can to prevent Knox having to run. Hopefully, said the mayor, he will have the opportunity to give Knox a new voter registration form so he can change back to Democrat.

Meanwhile, former Mayor John Street confirmed he has also changed his registration.

“My switch is simply a means of keeping a variety of options available as a matter of good politics,” he wrote in an e-mail response to questions.  “I have no particular plan at the moment but one never knows.

“Also , I was asked to do this by some friends I respect who care a lot about the city and believe the city needs more, not fewer, possibilities,” John Street continued. “My lack of interest in serving as mayor (again) or any public office is well documented. However  . . . ?”