September 23, 1999
Web posted at: 9:54 a.m. EDT (1354 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CNN has learned that Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell is now likely to succeed former Colorado Governor Roy Romer as the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Party activists said an official announcement could come as early as Thursday in advance of this weekend's DNC meetings in Washington.

Democratic Party sources said President Clinton was planning to speak with the mayor Wednesday evening to work out the final details.

Romer told CNN he will become general chairman of next summer's Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. He says he's now anxious to focus his attention on the party's "message" and not on "fund-raising."

Rendell is completing his second term as Philadelphia's mayor and cannot run for a third. Coincidentally, the Republican Party will hold its 2000 convention in Philadelphia

Earlier this year, he signed a statement along with other Democratic mayors endorsing Vice President Al Gore for President but sources close to Rendell say he will now be "strictly neutral" in the contest between Gore and former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley for the party's nomination.

Thursday, September 23, 1999

• Senate Republicans launch probe of FBI, Justice Department
• Bush promises to 'renew bond of trust' between president, military
• Clinton vetoes tax bill; Republicans vow to press for cut
• Moynihan endorses Bradley, says Gore 'can't be elected'
• Philly Mayor Rendell likely next chairman of DNC
• Ex-Wall Street executive Corzine announces run for Senate
• Senate limits debate on oil-royalties bill
• Carter relative charged with scalping ticket to birthday gala
• Feud leaves West Virginia town without police
• Denver mayor's son arrested on robbery allegations
• Susan McDougal, others, testify on Capitol Hill
• FBI agents, Justice Department official clash over fund-raising inquiry
• Congressional negotiators restore School of the Americas funding

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