It's Not My Party Now?

Democrats pull a switch at the deadline for the May primary election

Normal 0 Two high profile Philadelphia Democrats have left the party. 

A report posted by Philly Clout on Monday revealed the party switching activities of former Mayor John Street and former mayoral contender Tom Knox.

The April 18 voter registration deadline was also the last day to change political party affiliation before the May 17 Pa. primary.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is facing a Democratic primary challenge from T. Milton Street, brother of the former mayor.

John Street’s intentions are not clear. He told newsworks.org that he’s keeping his options open. Street tried to convince three-time Republican candidate Sam Katz to run again in 2011 as a Democrat. Katz declined.

Tom Knox, came in second, behind Nutter, in the 2007 Democratic primary. He announced in February that he would pass up an independent run in 2011 and declared his support for Nutter. Now he’s had a change of heart.

Reports said Knox is preparing to enter the race as an independent candidate in the November general election, on the chance that Milton Street beats Michael Nutter in the primary. Knox cited Street’s endorsements from Philadelphia Fire Fighters Local 22 and District Council 33, which represents over 9,000 blue-collar city employees.

The candidates seeking the GOP nomination for mayor are no strangers to political party swapping. The choice is between Democrat-turned-Republican Karen Brown and John Featherman, who made unsuccessful runs as a Libertarian for local and national office.

Philadelphia voters will also nominate candidates for City Council, City Commissioner, Sheriff, Register of Wills and court judges in the May 17 primary election.

Pennsylvania holds closed primary elections, allowing only voters registered as Democrat or  Republican to vote for their party's nominees to run in the Nov. general election. Voters cannot vote outside of their party in the primary.

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