IBEW LOCAL 98

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 98

 

For Immediate Release                                                     Contact:  Frank Keel

January 23, 2007                                                                                  484-410-4932

 

 
JOHN J. DOUGHERTY EXITS THE 2007 MAYOR'S RACE

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA --  John J. Dougherty, business manager of the powerful International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 98 and a presumed Democratic candidate for mayor of Philadelphia in 2007, today announced that he is exiting the 2007 mayor's race, citing family health problems as the primary reason for his decision.

 
"It is with a very real sense of regret that I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for mayor of the City of Philadelphia in 2007," said Dougherty.  "Anyone who knows me well understands that family comes first in my life.  Members of my family continue to face serious health challenges.  I cannot, in good conscience, devote the time and energy necessary to mount a viable campaign for mayor at this time, knowing that the people I love most in this world still need me by their sides, not out on the campaign trail for the next four months."

"I did not reach this decision to exit the mayor's race easily," Dougherty continued.  "I believe, as do many others whose support I have earned, that I have the passion, vision, energy, experience, and leadership to guide Philadelphia into a safe and prosperous future.  The timing simply does not work for me right now. I want to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of people who have provided me with unbelievable support and encouragement and remind them that this is not the end of a dream, but rather just a deferment.”
 

Dougherty did not close the door on the possibility of running for mayor in the near future. 

“I am the youngest person in this current crop of candidates,” Dougherty continued.  “I am not going anywhere and plan to remain an influential force for positive change in this city for the rest of my days.  I remain very interested in the challenge of leading this great city in the future and will look to the year 2011 and beyond."
 

Michael Neill, co-chairman of the Draft John Dougherty 2007 Committee, which has, for the past two years, been raising awareness of and money for Dougherty's possible mayoral campaign, was understandably disappointed.

 
"We believe in John and felt in our hearts that he was by far the most qualified person to lead this city," Neill said. "We're disappointed, but how could any of us question someone who puts his family first?  The term 'family values' isn't a political sound bite for John; it's how he lives his life. We understand and respect his decision, but will continue to persuade him to run for political office in the future, including state senate or even a congressional seat."
 

For the time being, Dougherty has left unanswered the question of which of the announced field of Democratic candidates Local 98 will endorse.


"We have not decided who we will support for mayor. Up until this past weekend, I was still anticipating the launch of my own candidacy.  We expect that, with my exit from the race today, we will soon be contacted by each of the candidates, seeking the considerable financial and ground support that have become hallmarks of our political operations.  We are in no rush to endorse anyone right now."


Dougherty added that the candidates' records of accomplishment and vision for the city's future - not personal relationships or outside influences - will be the only factors that matter in deciding whom Local 98 will endorse.


"As Business Manager of IBEW Local 98, Chairman of the Board of the Redevelopment Authority, and President of the Pennsport Civic Association, I have led by example on issues of ethics reform, curtailing youth violence, identifying problems with our aging infrastructure, stimulating major economic development without tax incentives, and improving community safety.  I will be carefully reviewing the positions and policies of all of the mayoral candidates on these and other key issues and hope to see from them the same level of commitment that I have previously displayed.  Each of the declared candidates has his strengths and weaknesses.  We at Local 98 will be withholding our support until we learn more about their positions on issues of importance to us and many other citizens."

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Last Updated: January 23, 2007