For anyone who isn't familiar with this fascinating, and rather bizarre, event, let me provide a brief background for you. In ten days, the City of Philadelphia will hold an election for mayor between Democratic incumbent John Street and Republican challenger Sam Katz. Recently, an electronic surveillance device was discovered in Mayor Street's office. It was quickly revealed that the FBI was investigating something, but they wouldn't say what. It was later revealed that Mayor Street was not a target of the investigation, but the FBI has refused, in accordance with its policy, to make any public comment on the ongoing investigation.
Some of Street's supporters have been vocal critics of the FBI, and are publicly speculating that the investigation is politically motivated. The fact that the investigation was revealed just a few weeks prior to election day certainly threatens to throw the election into a tailspin. However, do to the deep distrust of the FBI by many Philadelphia citizens, particularly black citizens, polls show that this "scandal" may actually be helping Mayor Street.
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