Earlier in the day, at the Famous Fourth Street Deli's traditional power lunch — where the political elite, journalists and gawkers gather to eat huge pastrami sandwiches — it had seemed like the race was Dougherty's to take.

Continuing a long-standing Philadelphia tradition, politicians gathered at the Famous 4th Street Deli for lunch. Among the attendees were Gov. Rendell, District Attorney Lynne Abraham, and State Senate candidate John Dougherty.

A large crowd of supporters wearing T-shirts and holding placards met Dougherty at the door. He said he was nervous but optimistic and predicted that a victory for him would be a “win for Joe Average.”

Inside, Dougherty worked the room from end to end, never sat down, and had only some sips of iced tea. When asked why he wasn’t eating, he said: “I’ve been living on bottled water, Vitamin C and chapstick.”

Philadelphia Inquirer:

It's been completely rehabbed by Russ Cowan, who has brought along the fragrant towers of hot corned beef, superb smoked fish, and giant bowls brimming with chicken-in-the-pot that have made him the region's undisputed king of deli.

Lunch at the Famous