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While city Republicans have identified their favorite candidate for president, they are looking for someone to challenge U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13th dist.) next year.
The district is evenly divided between Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
One possible candidate is Jim DiDio, president and CEO of Radnor Trust Company. DiDio, who has been in the investment and financial services industry for more than 35 years, is a former member of the Council Rock School Board.
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As for campaign 2007, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has endorsed Democrat Michael Nutter for mayor.
"Responsible education reform is the key to my vision for Philadelphia," Nutter said in a news conference outside Spring Garden School.
"The school district continues to struggle with a lack of resources, crowded classrooms and buildings that are a hundred years old and completely ill-equipped for the 21st century. With the support of the PFT in the campaign and after the election, we will make sure every school provides a world-class education."
Nutter wants more money from the state and city to reduce class size, increase early childhood education, improve safety, retain talented teachers and staff and improve high school graduation rates. He’d also like increased parental involvement.
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Taubenberger, meanwhile, won the backing of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter.
Specter, in a news conference at 30th Street Station, understands how hard it is for a Republican to win a mayor’s race in Philadelphia. He lost a bid in 1967 to Democrat James H.J. Tate.
The senator, who is planning a fund-raiser for Taubenberger, wants city Republicans to stress the need for stronger schools, job training and crime prevention.
"I’ve known Al for two decades," he said. "I know he’s honest. I know he’s reliable. He’s an able guy that I’m confident will do a good job."
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Taubenberger joined state Rep. John Perzel (R-172nd dist.) to endorse the lawmaker’s proposal to hire 10,000 police officers across the state, including 1,300 earmarked for Philadelphia.
"Communities need to be assured that they have active patrols in their neighborhood," Taubenberger said at a news conference outside the headquarters of the 2nd and 15th police districts at Harbison Avenue and Levick Street.
Taubenberger said the plan is good for Philadelphia because the state will put up half of the money.
The candidate added that Philadelphia has an immediate need for extra police, contending that there is "a war going on in the streets of Philadelphia."
Perzel expects the Judiciary Committee to vote on the initiative on Tuesday.
"I think I have everybody on the committee but one," he said.
Taubenberger also announced that he supports making it a first-degree felony for anyone who removes a serial number from a gun. And he backs a bill that would require parolees to agree to be searched for weapons — with or without a warrant — as a condition of release.
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City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.) opened a campaign office last week at 3545 Ryan Ave.
Krajewski, who announced her retirement before changing her mind about seeking an eighth four-year term, faces a little-known Republican named Michael Ebsworth.
The 73-year-old councilwoman was joined by City Controller Alan Butkovitz, former Controller Jonathan Saidel, at-large Council candidate Bill Green, Traffic Court candidate Mike Lowry and ward leaders.
"She deserves votes for as long as she wants to be in City Council," Saidel said.
Krajewski presented a $1,000 check to the Greater Kensington String Band, which lost some of its costumes in an arson fire last week.
The councilwoman wants to spend the next four years cracking down on unlicensed landlords, working with community groups on zoning issues and developing the Delaware Avenue waterfront.
"I don’t want to see people moving out," she said. "The only way to keep them here is for neighbors to work together."
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Mike Seidenberg, the Republican candidate in the 1st Councilmanic District, is a strong opponent of the two proposed slot machine parlors along the Delaware River.
Both casinos are in the district represented by Democratic Councilman Frank DiCicco.
"They’re the biggest threat to the city by far," said Seidenberg, citing traffic concerns, crime and social ills.
Seidenberg, a 47-year-old married father of two from Queen Village, has worked as a Realtor for the last five years. The central New York native had worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years.
If elected, he would focus on reducing the crime rate.
"We need more policemen on the street," he said.
As for public education, he wants to see a decrease in the high dropout rate for high school students. One of his proposals is to decentralize the School District of Philadelphia, creating smaller schools, even in storefronts. He would also increase spending on sports and buildings.
"Infrastructure is important in order to create the kind of learning environment you need," he said.
The district includes portions of Wissinoming and Frankford. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com