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What it will take for either to win the election
After two months of saturation advertising and hard-hitting debates, Democrat John Street and Republican Sam Katz marshal their field armies today for the balloting that will decide Philadelphia's next mayor.
The election appears close and every vote counts. Here are keys to victory for both sides.
FOR STREET TO WIN
Crank up your base. His field troops must juice turnout among African-American voters. Street needs around 95 percent of the black vote, and must get turnout as close to white numbers as possible.
Tranquilize the Northeast. Make sure nobody pumps up turnout in Katz's base. No sound trucks, no phone banks.
Worship the Machine. The Democratic organization must pull every string to wring a few votes from select Democrats in the Northeast and South Philly. Street needs between 15 percent and 20 percent of white vote to win.
FOR KATZ TO WIN
Stand with John F. White Jr. a lot. Katz will lose the black vote big, but if his ties among some African-American leaders are enough to cleave 10 percent or better for his column, it could be fatal for the Democrats.
Get loud above Cottman Avenue. Katz will have to augment the Republican field operation to get voters in the Northeast out. He'll get the lion's share of whoever shows up.
Hide your elephant ears. Katz has worked hard to appeal to liberal and moderate Democrats in Center City and the Northwest. If he gets most of them, he probably wins.
Send e-mail to daviesd@phillynews.com
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