I know when it comes to local politics party affiliations usually don’t matter, however, with this race, knowing this information can help voters make a decision.

In local political races party affiliations aren’t supposed to be an issue, but nothing happens in a vacuum. So, who is the most loyal Democrat and who is the true Democrat, and who is the most Obamafied Democrat, etc., will all matter in the long run.

As far your questions go, I’d like to know the answers, but I don’t. I could guess, but I won’t.

I find the Nader = ’spoiler’ =Goldman motif irresponsible, erroneous, and insulting to the whole process.

I know you do, because I’ve already read your comments on this topic elsewhere. If you stick with that kind of angry approach, we’ll see how many friends it makes for you. And, we’ll see how many people will turn away from such strident rhetoric.

Here’s the truth, like it or not: I have not selected a candidate to support in the mayoral race. I’m not even leaning toward any of them. Moreover, I have nothing against Goldman at all.

Bottom line: I’ve been writing about politics a long time, so, I’m accustomed to partisans trying to bully me. It hasn’t stopped me from calling it like I see it before. Nor will it now.

Please note, I’m a writer not an activist. So, I won’t let you take any words away from me.

“Spoiler” is a term that I believe migrated from baseball to politics. In baseball, it refers to a team that is out of the running for the pennant, but by beating teams still in the hunt it can determine the eventual winner.

As far as Nader is concerned (we’ve been through this before), I’ve never blamed Nader for Gore’s loss. Gore’s failure was his own fault. But, in retrospect, it’s fair and accurate to refer to the role Nader played in that election year as that of a “spoiler.”

That term may rub you the wrong way, but by angrily insisting it’s wrong, wrong, WRONG, I don’t believe you are changing many minds.

To refresh your memory, I have all the respect in the world for Ralph Nader’s outstanding contributions over decades, as a consumer advocate. He’s been a hero of mine.

But I don’t think Nader serves any good cause by continuing to declare himself a presidential candidate every four years.

Calling Nader and Goldman spoilers is inaccurate because, by your own logic above, neither of them are determining eventual winners.

I will stand by my judgment that this is in fact partisan bullying. You are welcome to disagree.

Speaking of partisanship, what is going on with the City Democratic Party’s endorsement process for mayoral candidates?

Maybe you should consider that the hammer is not the best tool for every job.

Scott and FTRea, There is a huge chance that Pantele and Grey will be the ones taking votes from eachother.

Goldman is the independent.

I don’t know where Lawrence Williams falls but I do like his idea of placing the jail house next to Phillip Morris.

BTW - Wilder was there sporting a handsome goatee (sp?) and he certainly gave the impression that he thought Grey was the one to carry on the strong mayor system. There were several other local elected officials and some heavy hitters from the community present. Remember that the General Assembly can consider charter changes during the next Mayor’s term. We don’t want to return to a strong council, in my opinion.

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