A three week mystery about the Republican nomination for Mayor of Philadelphia was finally solved with a concession from John Featherman.
“We lost the mayoral primary by a mere 64 votes on 16,674 votes cast,” said Featherman in a statement released on Wednesday.
With that, any remaining barrier to Karen Brown’s nomination was removed. The primary election was May 17 and the close vote had been the subject of a possible recount challenge.
Featherman declared the close vote was a victory for his wake-up call for the city’s Republican establishment.
“Thanks to so many supporters -- but most notably the Tea Party movement -- our insurgent campaign put the Republican City Committee on notice: The voters matter more than the party leaders. We are now becoming a true opposition party and will make Pennsylvania a battleground in next year’s presidential election.”
Featherman promised to remain active in local politics.
Brown, a former Democrat, will face Mayor Michael Nutter in the General Election.
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A Pa. primary race that resulted in a recount was also decided. The Pennsylvania Department of State announced Wednesday that Doylestown attorney Kathryn Boockvar won the recount in the Democratic primary of the Commonwealth Court race. She defeated Pittsburgh attorney Barbara Behrend Ernsberger.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed Kathryn Boockvar.
“The Pennsylvania Democratic Party was proud to endorse Kathryn Boockvar, and we congratulate Kathryn Boockvar on her victory in the primary election,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn.
Boockvar will challenge Republican nominee Anne Covey, a New Hope attorney, for the open seat on the Commonwealth Court.
The General Election is set for Nov. 8.
