PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A leading Philadelphia politician has announced, through a statement, that he will not mount a challenge against Mayor Nutter in the May Democratic primary.

State Senator Anthony Williams had, for weeks, been considering whether to take on the formidable task of battling the incumbent mayor, Michael Nutter, in the May 17th primary. Williams has been a nominal Nutter ally and when considering a run, admitted that he was vacillating on an earlier promise to support Nutter for re-election.

Even with all of the political talk, the two were still talking. “My relationship with him continues. Hopefully my friendship with him will continue, regardless of what I decide,” Williams said before his decision. “But, in the context of whether politicians change their mind, I don’t think there’s anything radical or revolutionary with regard to that.”

Mr. Williams claims he only considered a challenge to Nutter only because others approached him. Fundraising was a key factor. The Nutter campaign has more than $1.5 million in the bank.

Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio