FightforRoom215

The moment(s) of truth

Bob Brady ignored Knox on his way in, but dropped by his table on his way out.

He gave Blackwell a kiss and then leaned into Knox and punched him in the .... oh, wait, actually he said "good luck."

Nutter just walked in and TV Newsman Overload is in full effect: will he look at Knox, whom he called a scumbag last weekend?

Now Knox is leaving, while Nutter and crew get ready to eat. Made for TV moment averted. Their wives did just exchange pleasantries.

Wait, the TV moment happened in the doorway. They shook hands, exchanged words. Such drama here at Famous Fourth Street.

Abraham, Blackwell, Knox arrive

DA Lynne Abraham says there's been no problems so far to report from her office re: the polls.

"None at all, they're very, very quiet," she said. "People are just voting so far. We're extremely pleased."

A walk to remember

Even non-working journalists make Famous the place to be.

Michael Currie Schaeffer and Sasha Issenberg stopped by after walking through West Philly and then to the MontCo. line.

Best moment from MCS: West Philly High. Brady supporters are giving out placards calling Brady the "choice for the Northeast."

Meanwhile, anti-Knox types have two "Knox=Shark" signs, but Pro-Knox types are following them around to block their signs.

Katz arrives, says its his first E-Day here

"Are you coming out of exile?" A Sam Katz fan says as the former Republican/maybe Independent mayoral candidaye strolls into Famous.

He says its his first time here on Election Day.

The gang's all coming

The political class is starting to flow into Famous.

Fattah is the lone candidate here so far - he says there's no nerves on this fateful day.

Jimmy Tayoun is here with his Bob Brady button. Mike O'Brien, too. And countless others. We hear Knox anf Blackwell are coming together and maybe with Doc.

Shadow election hits Famous Fourth Street

The folks from Casino Free Philladelphia are facing another challenge, whether they can set up shop on the sidewalk in front of Famous Fourth Street.

The Election Day institution is about to ring in another year of politicians flowing through the doors the casino ballot folks are negotiating with police and David Auspitz over where they're allowed to set up their boxes.                                                    

They just got the word - they're set up on the sidewalk under Famous' striped awning.

"They're willing to talk to everybody," said Famous' David Auspitz. " Its not a protest it's a cause."          

Meanwhile, preparations are going on inside for the crush of candidates on their way.                                                                                  
Even Al Taubenberger's coming, Auspitz says.

Seventy Report: Some early problems

The Committee of Seventy will be sending reports throughout the day outlining some of the problems they're tracking down. Remember, call 215-557-3600 with any issues.

According to the first report, "numerous polling officials appear to be unaware of how to lock the polling machines" to ensure that independents and minority party members are only allowed to vote on the ballot questions.

There are also reports of machines not working properly in these wards: 60, 46, 4, 24, 8, 47, 22 and 30.

"Our volunteers are observing that many people are getting frustrated and leaving, especially in wards 46 and 24. We are telling polling place officials to use provisional ballots (paper ballots) and we are calling in the machine malfunctions to city authorities. The number to report machine malfunctions is 215-686-7800."

Drive-by reporting

Not much excitement yet at the 10 or so polling places I've cruised by.

Mostly, poll workers and volunteers outnumber voters.

For the record I've yet to see any electricians or plumbers square off. It's still early.

Brady gets horns honking

Bob Brady started his day of campaigning with a stop at Frankford and Cottman, standing on the sidewalk to a cacophony of car horns.

"There ain't nobody out there doing this," Brady said. "That's it, today's the day."                                  

He's headed out to rally his ward next in Overbrook.

Election Day 2007: The battle to face Taubenberger

We've come to the end, folks, the day of reckoning, the moment of truth, the day to make your voices heard. Vote. Call your friends, tell them to vote, too. Go give your grandmother a ride to her polling place.

Seventy.org/map is the best directory out there that will quickly hook you up with where your polling place is and let you know which Council district you're in.

If you're still looking for info, the Metro Voters' Guide is at your service. Download it here.

Check back throughout the day for updates from around the city. We'll be cruising around in the Metro Mini Cooper. Say hi if you see me in my mobile billboard.