Mayor Rendell first soft-pedaled the impact of Democrat John F. White Jr.'s stunning endorsement of Republican mayoral candidate Sam Katz, when asked about it yesterday.

Then he said it was probably part of a political deal, a concept that is probably not unfamiliar to the mayor.

Rendell yesterday told reporters he believed endorsements do not affect many votes. Then he volunteered another opinion.

"And you know," Rendell said, "there's no question there was a deal. I would bet my right arm that if Sam Katz becomes mayor, you're going to see John White in some high place."

Rendell has endorsed Street and campaigned actively for him in the primary, springing to his defense when Street was attacked by rival Marty Weinberg.

On Tuesday, it was Street himself who went on the offensive, insisting there had to be a backroom deal of some kind between Katz and White. Both men quickly denied the charge.

When reporters reminded Rendell that White had pledged not to seek or accept a job in the Katz administration, Rendell grinned, started to say something, then paused.

"And I'm going to have a full head of hair tomorrow."

---

© 1999, Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. is expressly prohibited.