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Council President Stays Mum On Mayoral Ambitions, Says Timeline Is In Place

By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Philadelphia's political world is in a bit of a holding pattern as movers-and-shakers wait to see if City Council President Darrell Clarke will decide to run for mayor next year. Clarke remains quite mum.

This past weekend brought the annual New York City gathering of local politicos known as the Pennsylvania Society, and the soirees included a fundraiser for Council President Clarke.

But he insists hosting a fundraiser doesn't mean he's made up his mind about running for mayor:

"This is one of a number of events that we've had over the past year," he said. "The simple reality is that you need to be in a position to raise revenue to get your message out."

So when will Clarke announce his decision? "I will continue to say, not today. I'm not a candidate for mayor today."

Part of what's likely holding back any announcement is the City Charter requirement that Clarke would have to resign his council seat as soon as he announces. Still, he does not deny that he's giving it serious thought.

"A lot of people are interested in me running for mayor, I can't deny that," he said. "And there are conversations that people are having with me and other individuals about the possibility of being on the ballot for mayor next year."

We asked Clarke if he has a timeline for announcing his decision:

"Yes," Clarke said.

Dunn: "What is the timeline?"

Clarke: "I will tell you at that particular time."

The potential candidacy of Darrell Clarke for mayor has already had one big ripple effect. It was at least partly responsible for another likely candidate, Controller Alan Butkovitz, to announce he's not running. Four others have already announced for mayor: State Senator Anthony Williams, former D-A Lynne Abraham, former RDA chief Terry Gillen, and former city solicitor Ken Trujillo.

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