Saidel wins Democratic Party endorsement for lieutenant governor

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jon Saidel received the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee endorsement for his run to be the state’s next lieutenant governor. Saidel says the endorsement won’t eliminate all competition in the race.

A Philadelphia Democrat running for lieutenant governor got a boost from the state party over the weekend.

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jon Saidel received the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee endorsement for his run to be the state’s next lieutenant governor. Saidel says the endorsement won’t eliminate all competition in the race.

Saidel: There may be competition. You know, the great thing about being in politics in the Philadelphia area is you don’t care about competition. A candidate runs against himself-herself, and if you are the best candidate you believe you are, you do the very best and if another candidate wants to run against you it’s a democracy.

Retired Judge Doris Smith-Ribner is also running. Of the numerous possible Republican candidates, City Councilman Frank Rizzo has voiced interest in the race. But says, he says, a broken ankle he got Christmas Eve has been hampering his campaigning.

The Philadelphia City Charter would require Rizzo to resign from council to run, so he has not formally entered the race but is instead gathering the necessary signatures on nominating petitions.