Despite lack of funds, Rizzo says he’s staying in Philly Council race

One candidate for Philadelphia City Council is determined to stay in the race of an at-large seat despite a funding disadvantage.

Even though he’s second from the bottom when it comes to financing his campaign, former Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. said he is banking on something money can’t buy — name recognition.

“I’ve got a great reputation,” he said Wednesday. “As this campaign rolls out, the money that’s needed for all of the things in a campaign — mailing, robocalls and things like that will all fall into place.”

The resignation of Councilman Jim Kenney to run for mayor opens up a spot, Rizzo said.

“That will leave the ward leaders and committeemen with an opportunity to pick someone to be supportive of and get them elected,” he said.

 The one-time Republican said he believes Democrats will elect him to office.

“Once people realize, and polls start to show, that Frank Rizzo is doing very very well in this campaign — and especially with the recent opening that Councilman Kenney has left — puts me into a very good position,” he said.

Rizzo has about $2,300 compared with rival Paul Steinke’s warchest of $91,000.

But the son of the legendary mayor said he’s staying in the race through the May primary.