With only 41 days to go until the general election, gubernatorial candidates Ed Rendell and Mike Fisher are frantically crisscrossing the state, trying to reach every voter.

Fisher has been pulling in top Republicans to stump for him. He has had President George W. Bush come in to support him twice, once in Pittsburgh and at a fundraiser here in Philadelphia. This past Tuesday, Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift came out for Fisher.

However, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who was a key player in nominating Fisher to succeed him, as National Homeland Security Advisor, is precluded from participating in any political activity.

Rendell is getting a lot of statewide support with new endorsements announced almost every day. But what about heavy hitters from Washington? Rendell did a short stint as General Chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2000. Despite the fact that Rendell was only there for nine months and that Al Gore lost the election, is anyone there going to help Rendell?

Dan Fee, Rendell's spokesperson, said that the campaign is not ready to announce any celebrity plans yet. Fee added that Rendell has continued to maintain his national Democratic connections.

Take, for example, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is due to appear here next month to plug for U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel. A much sought after political figure, she can only raise Hoeffel's profile.

The 13th Congressional District, as it is now, encompasses Montgomery County. Next year, it will include Northeast Philadelphia, the district of U.S. Rep. Bob Borski, who is not running again. He opted out after the redistricting process. In the predominantly Democratic city, adding Philadelphia can only help the Democrat.

Joe Grace, an adviser to the Hoeffel campaign, made the arrangements for Sen. Rodham Clinton's appearance.

Meanwhile, noted locals and a lot of law firms fete Rendell. Next week, he is the beneficiary of a fundraiser hosted by Democrat City Committee Chairman and Local 98 businessman Johnny Dougherty; it's $100 a person at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Also on the host-committee list are Brett Feldman, Michael Malloy and Lori Dumas.

Taxi Driven

Catherine Baker Knoll is running with Rendell and unlike Fisher and Earll, they campaign separately. "We have asked to debate her," continued Fisher, "but we cannot find her. Maybe I'll get that Philly cab driver in my next commercial to go looking for her."

Fisher latest ads feature a "cab driver" driving around Philadelphia criticizing Rendell's mayoral education record. Since this commercial has been airing, Fisher has gained momentum in the polls.

Almost New York

City Representative and Commerce Director Jim Cuorato confessed to owning 55 Nicole Miller ties and 12 pairs of her socks.

The local designer was honored and her fashions featured last Wednesday at the ninth annual Phashion Phest held at the Festival Pier at Penn's Landing.

Phashion Phest is produced by Sharon Phillips Waxman of SPW Productions; the event showcases Philadelphia and the surrounding area's retail shops and salons in a large fashion show sponsored by the city.

The cocktail party that preceded the fashion show was attended by an eclectic group of fashion divas.

Ben Affleck look-alike Gary Silvi -- who is actually a real estate developer and a Republican fundraiser -- dropped by. He chatted with film producer J. Palmer Enfield, a tall blond who is off to Toronto for three weeks to produce several commercials. Noreen Timoney, a business consultant who was comparing notes with Rendell supporter Linda Swain, remarked that the young male models preparing for the fashion show looked very natural. “My son Sean would be a good model,” said Mrs. Timoney. The 21-year-old son of the former Police Commissioner John Timoney resembles ex-Philly ball player Scott Rolen.

The former commish, along with former New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Art Lopez, a veteran of the L.A.P.D., are meeting with L.A. Mayor James Hahn this week for the final round of the decision-making process for the L.A. police chief position.

Also on the scene was Philadelphia Film Society Managing Director Thom Cardwell, who is also a regular features contributor for the Jewish Exponent. Cardwell penned an article on men of style featuring Brad Waxman, husband of Sharon, and restaurateurs Neil Stein and Craig Grossman.

“I chose them because they value and care about their personal appearance and grooming, which enhances their image in business,” said Cardwell.

Brad Waxman is popular because he is the vice president of Southern Wines and Spirits, a major sponsor of Phashion Phest, and was responsible for the flowing Gray Goose vodka.