Brady stands by Rep. Chaka Fattah in congressional race

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 Democratic Party chair and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (right) says he continues to support U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Philadelphia). (NewsWorks file photos)

Democratic Party chair and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (right) says he continues to support U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Philadelphia). (NewsWorks file photos)

The head of Philadelphia’s Democratic Party says he is not abandoning indicted U.S. Rep Chaka Fattah (D-Philadelphia). 

Speaking from the floor of the House during a budget vote,  city Democratic Party chair and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady said he had no doubt he would keep backing Fattah for re-election, even though Fattah is under indictment and faces federal corruption charges.

“Chaka’s been my friend for 35 years, he does an excellent job.  People can’t comprehend that seniority really matters here and you are innocent until proven guilty,” said Brady.

Brady says unless Fattah is convicted he will support him for re-election.

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“I’m no judge, I’m no jury. I’ll stay with him as long as he’s doing what he’s doing he’s doing a great job here,” Brady said.

Brady praised Fattah for helping secure $50 million to offset security costs for the Democratic National Convention as evidence he’s still effective.

Fattah’s trial is not scheduled to begin until after the April Pennsylvania primary when he’ll be challenged for the nomination.

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