One possibly in, one out in race for Philadelphia mayor

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 Doug Oliver has formed an exploratory committee to figure out whether to jump into the Democratic primary for Philadelphia mayor (Tom MacDonald/WHYY)

Doug Oliver has formed an exploratory committee to figure out whether to jump into the Democratic primary for Philadelphia mayor (Tom MacDonald/WHYY)

The race for Philadelphia mayor is firming up a bit. One candidate is out, while another is exploring getting in.

Doug Oliver was once a spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter, now he ‘s formed an exploratory committee to figure out whether to jump into the Democratic primary. He will mine social media to gauge reaction.

“We’re going to take our case to the city of Philadelphia and we’re going to ask them to fund this we’re going to ask them to show that they are engaged by small contributions in the amount of $15,” he said. 

Oliver is changing his voter registration from Republican to Democrat for the potential mayoral run.  He currently works for Philadelphia Gas Works, but is not compelled to resign that post by forming the exploratory committee.  He would have to step down if he becomes a candidate under the “resign to run” part of the city charter.

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City Controller Alan Butkovitz has decided after much rumor and speculation that he is not running for mayor, while state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams and former district attorney Lynne Abraham are polishing their speeches for announcements Wednesday.

 

Former city solicitor Ken Trujillo and Terry Gillen, a past aide to Mayor Michael Nutter, have already kicked off their campaigns.

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