Can you imagine Philadelphia politics without Bob Brady?

Well according to Ryan Briggs of City & State, the long-time Congressman and party elder may be planning his exit.

Briggs reports that Rep. Brady is looking into stepping down from the Democratic City Committee, as well as the PA-1 congressional seat, in the next few years.

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel is widely seen as the heir apparent to Brady with several sources informing Briggs that a transition is being planned. Despite that, though, the Congressman flatly denied anything of the sort.

“Jon Saidel has been coming with me to party meetings for 30 years,” he told Briggs. “The last time I checked, I’m not going anywhere. I never talked to anybody about stepping down as the chairman. I don’t know, maybe Saidel is promoting this shit.”

“Do you know what you’re going to do in four years?” Brady continued. “The last time I looked, I’m running for re-election and I’m not giving up my seat…Saidel can’t do anything unless I step down.”

Saidel, on the other hand, seemed unsure how to respond.

“I can’t confirm or deny anything at this time,” he stated. “I’m honored by all this rumor stuff, but they’re just rumors. It’s probably one of the greatest honors of my life to even be talked about for something like that.”

The 1st Congressional District represents South Philadelphia and Southeast Delaware County.