About 160 Republicans and Democrats put anywhere from $50 to $250 per person into Sturla's campaign for the opportunity to meet the former Philadelphia mayor at Isaac's Deli on North Queen Street. The crowd flowed onto the patio outside the restaurant's north exit.

"I could have chosen one of a half-dozen places," Sturla said. "Isaac's is a great restaurant that's headquartered in Lancaster. It's a brand-new facility, and I knew we could expand outside if we had to. Plus, it's a fun location and very festive. I knew we wouldn't have to decorate."

During their remarks, Rendell and Sturla both took a moment to remember Erik Brown, a prominent Democratic party member who died last week. Brown served the local party for decades and was serving his second term on the executive board of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee.

"Erik was a great Democrat who actually helped me out during my first campaign for Philadelphia district attorney in 1977," Rendell said. "If you think people were saying I had no chance two years ago, you should have heard what they said back then."

During his first six months as governor, Rendell said he's made several discoveries.

"The most discouraging thing I've found is that too many people, most notably elected officials, put their own interests above the interests of the people of Pennsylvania," he said.

The death of a House bill legalizing slot machines is one example, he said.

"There is an alternative to gambling," Rendell said. "But most of the people who voted against slots don't want to hear it. We may need to see them put up the tax votes to save our children."

Rendell said he watched most of the 12-hour debate over the issue in the House and wouldn't be surprised if some people wanted to sell video tapes of it.

"Sadly, almost none of the people who voted against slots will be there for the alternative," the governor said.

Friday's visit marks the sixth time the Democrat has been to Lancaster since January. He said he likes Lancaster, but "tonight was all Mike."

"I really can't find an issue we don't agree on," Rendell told the crowd. "Thank you for supporting Mike. He's truly an exceptional person."

During his visit, Rendell met with a variety of local elected officials and business people including county commissioner Ron Ford, county commissioner candidate Molly Henderson, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce & Industry president Tom Baldrige, lobbyist and former state Rep. Jere Strittmatter and S. Dale High, chairman of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

"What I like about this crowd, besides the diversity of people, is that people really have important things to talk about," Rendell said. "Maybe it's symptomatic of a Mike Sturla fund-raiser, but people really believe in their stuff."

Rendell said he is meeting Wednesday with representatives of Lancaster County's business and labor sectors as well local elected officials to "discuss their priorities."

"I'm going county by county and giving each of them an hour," Rendell said. "It's not open to the public, but it should be productive."

Sturla said few counties enjoy the kind of close relationship Lancaster County has with the governor.

"I think he really likes Lancaster and realizes that, as great as we are, we have lots of potential," Sturla said. "He likes to stimulate success."

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