Bloodless Coup

Fyi, some of the progressive activitists in town - at least those who both 1) dislike a powerful government and 2) like a responsive government - apparently like Jeff Riffle, the Republican candidate. According to them he's not a "movement" Republican, nor is he one beholden to the usual interests. So he's getting some support from people who I know camapigned for Kerry.

I must admit I haven't done my due diligence yet (I'll vote tomorrow, so I have time). I know how I'll vote in the Federal races, but not for state/local stuff.

Well, the only races on the ballot (that I remember) are State House, State Senate (Oliverio is opposed though), the schools levy, County Comission, Magistrate, and US House and Senate.

Well, that helps the research part: I know what I'm doing for US House, State House, and US Senate. If I remember correctly the schools levy is a bond issue about local schools that I supported the last time. That leaves me doing research on State Senate, County Commission and Magistrate. That's a bit easier.

There really isn't much research to be done. It's all the usual suspects.

The problem is, I don't know who the usual suspects are. I have no idea who the magistrate is, or who is on County Commission (or whether whoever it is, is any good).

My default position is to vote Democratic; I think my outrage level will allow me to do that for many years.

There's not much research to do on State Senate - vote for Mike Oliverio (conservative, pro-buiness Democrat) or no one.

Both of the Democratic candidates for magistrate are liked well enough in the Dem circles I run in. Darris Summers is more a favorite of the progressives, while Jim Nabors has what I hear (from a few people across the political spectrum) is a long, respected record in law enforcement. I don't know a single thing about the Republican nominees.

As to Commission - Asel Kennedy (D) is the incumbent. He wants to keep the commission at 3 members instead of expanding it (he's usually on the winning side that way). He's pro-development in a not too heavy on the planning kind of way. To my knowledge he's opposed hiring a professional planning supervisor. His personality and responsiveness leaves a lot to be desired. A lot. All that said, his narrow escape in the primary might well have moved him a bit on an issue or two, and on his level or responsiveness. He's being challenged by Jeff Riffle, a Republican on a shoe-string campaign that lacks the support of the usual Republican business interests (who are getting along fine with Asel). He's a small government, pro-guns type. He's quite willing to talk to people, "responsive", and isn't remotely a polished politician. I know some of the progressive types are backing him b/c they think he'll give them a fairer hearing than the incumbent will.

And ... that's about all I know on those races.

I chose not to vote for Oliverio due to his co-sponsorship of the parental consent bill.

Of course there are several reasons to skip the senate race entirely and not vote for Oliverio - I find voting for no one over him to be a very reasonable move.

I'm sorry, I was confused. Armand's post from this morning said Oliverio is opposed, so I figured I had to do research.

I believe that was a typo. He was unopposed on my ballot.

Ah, that clarifies things a bit.