Rep. Brady brokered pols' agreement

Councilman Frank DiCicco wasn't sure whether to fight on for a fifth term. Mark Squilla, one of his four challengers, wondered if he could win DiCicco's support instead.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady called the two politicians to his West Philly headquarters Saturday evening and brokered a deal - DiCicco would drop out of the race and back Squilla for election.

And thus was born an endorsement, bringing together long-warring factions of the city's Democratic Party in South Philly.

DiCicco and political ally Councilman Jim Kenney will support Squilla, who also has the backing of John Dougherty, leader of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Brady, chairman of the City Democratic Committee, said DiCicco was uncertain about running for re-election before and after he saw the results of a poll last week that suggested he could prevail in what promised to be a rough and expensive campaign.

DiCicco liked that Squilla had asked for a meeting before starting to circulate nominating petitions to get on the ballot.

DiCicco left open in that meeting the possibility that he would not be on the ballot, Brady said.

Squilla and Matt Myers, leader of the 39B Democratic Ward, drove to West Philly Saturday to discuss the race with Brady, who suggested they invite DiCicco.

The two men shook hands and agreed that DiCicco would announce his decision after meeting with his staff today to explain to them what was happening.

But in the gossipy world of South Philly politics, word quickly spread and reporters were chasing the story by Sunday.