Race For Republican City Council-At-Large Seats Provides Only Drama In Philly's General Election
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There weren't many surprises in Philadelphia city elections. Incumbents were reelected to the row offices, city commission, and most incumbents were returned to city council. But it appears that one of the Republican council-at-large seats will change hands.
Four years ago, incumbent Dennis O'Brien was the top vote-getter, by a wide margin, among the Republican candidates, while David Oh and Al Taubenberger were virtually neck and neck, with Oh the eventual winner. This year, Oh and Taubenberger are close again, but it appears they've both out-polled O'Brien. With a lead of just a few hundred votes, Taubenberger was hesitant to declare victory over incumbent Dennis O'Brien, but was happy with where he stood.
"I'm honored and humbled," he said, "and I'm ready to serve the citizenry of Philadelphia."
Taubenberger said he'll wait for the final official results, something he says he learned from experience.
"You learn things from losing," he said. "I gained a lot of knowledge, which added to this victory."
O'Brien could not be reached, nor could incumbent David Oh, who had a slightly more comfortable lead.
Taubenberger won't be the only new face on council. Three of the five Democratic at-large winners were running for the first time. And State representative Cherelle Parker takes over the Ninth District seat from the retiring Marian Tasco.
All of the Republicans outpolled independent candidate Andrew Stober, underlining the importance of machine politics even for an underdog party. Endorsed by prominent Democrats, Stober did better than other independents, but didn't come close to unseating a Republican.
