The day after Sam Katz stung him about his lack of support from City Council Democrats, former Council President John Street put together an impressive looking collection of current and former members who stood before the television cameras with him.

But looks can be deceiving.

Billed as a unity event showing Democratic support for the Nov. 2 ticket from top to bottom, the morning pep rally yesterday in Council's elegant caucus room struck a discordant note because of who didn't show up and because of the lackluster support Street got.

Councilwoman Marian Tasco, leader of the 50th Ward in the northwest and a backer of John White Jr. in the primary, said she didn't attend because she isn't making mayoral endorsements and neither is her ward.

"Voters in my ward are sophisticated and intelligent. They will make their own choices in this race," she said.

The event was cobbled together at the last moment by U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, the party chairman, who put heavy pressure on Councilman Michael Nutter to show up.

Nutter was there looking glum and replied, "No comment," when asked whether he was by his presence endorsing Street.

Later in the day, Nutter said he attended after Brady made a personal request. "I respect the chairman as a leader and friend," Nutter said. "But I've made no commitment on any particular candidate." In all, 12 of 13 Democrats on Council, seven former Council members and two likely winners in the election Tuesday stood with Street.

Aside from a brief introduction by Council President Anna Verna and Councilwoman Augusta Clark, nobody came forward to talk about why Street is the best candidate for mayor. When they cheered loudest, it was for Democratic unity, not for Street.

Verna said Street is a "man of integrity, vision and certainly commitment." Clark said Street is the "personification of qualified. Some say he's not warm and fuzzy enough. Well, get yourself a teddy bear."

In an interview, Councilman David Cohen conceded he's had major differences with Street, particularly in the last seven years. But he said he prefers Street as mayor because of the candidate's party affiliation.

While Cohen said he's been urging voters to pull the straight ticket lever, he said he hasn't campaigned with Street.

"John Street and I have not had a one-on-one conversation, but that's not the issue," he said. Councilman James Kenney, an often vitriolic Street opponent, stood quietly to the side of the podium. He said he was present because Brady asked him.

As for his relationship with Street, Kenney said: "Sometimes growing up in the neighbrohood, the guy who punched you in the nose and you punched in the nose, sometimes you wind up being your good friend. I don't know if that will be the case after he [Street] is elected mayor, but I will keep the door open."