The Republican Candidate:
Al Taubenberger
Al's thoughts on...
Stop and frisk, his thoughts on potential gun laws, and on one gun a month
the new campaign finance reform laws
his plans to increase the police force
taxes, and dredging the Delaware River
(Give 'em a second, they'll load. We swear)
Age: 53
Job: President, Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Marital Status: Married to wife, Joanne. Father of four children, ranging from ages 7 to 30.
Campaign cash on hand: $11,622.52, as of April 30, 2007.
Bragging rights: Having never held an elected office, Taubenberger is running as a true outsider. A resident of Burholme, Taubenberger was Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. He served as the chief of staff for City Councilman Jack Kelly from 1988-1992, and on the staffs of U.S. Rep. Charles Dougherty and City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski in the 80's. In '02 and '04 he ran, and lost, the Republican primaries for the U.S. House of Representatives. Has a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from Penn State.
Downsides: In a city where registered Democrats outnumber GOP members 5 to 1, a well-funded, well-known Republican candidate faces an uphill battle. Taubenberger, who does not have very much name recognition, nor does he have the funding that the last mayoral candidate from his party, Sam Katz, did, will be hard pressed to become the first Republican mayor in 60 years.
Friends and enemies: One upside of being a practically unknown in Philadelphia politics is that it is hard to create many enemies. State Rep. Michael McGeehan, a Democrat who represents a district in Northeast Philadelphia, did call on Taubenberger to step down from his post on the Parking Authority Board in February, stating he felt Taubenberger could influence the Authorities' workers to work on his campaign. Taubenberger dismissed the idea. Has the endorsement of the Philadelphia Republican City Committee.
Contact the Campaign:
Al Taubenberger for Mayor
1213 Loney Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-725-8406
More coverage
Taubenberger launches GOP mayoral campaign (2/9/07) Inquirer
On $100 and a prayer (2/7/07) Daily News
GOP has mayoral candidate: Taubenberger (2/7/07) Inquirer
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