The North Courtroom after the Picard announcementThe announcement last night by John Picard that he would NOT accept the Democratic nomination for re-election as Mayor was a MAJOR bombshell. While we've certainly been no fan of his administration, the office of Mayor in West Haven -- especially in these trying economic times -- is a thankless and stressful job.
However, his withdrawal leaves the majority party in something of a bind. According to state law, the Democratic Town Committee has to reconvene before July 28th to nominate a candidate...which is a pretty tall order.
There is the real possibility that the Democrats may have no endorsed candidate. This would be real egg on the face of Jim Morrissey, the DTC Chair. This possibly is what was intended: there's no secret that Morrissey and Picard aren't exactly BFF anymore, and there's an undercurrent movement afoot to have him and his supporters kicked off the DTC in March.
So, this is how I see this soap opera playing out:
1. Nancy Rossi (who will probably petition to force a primary) will get her primary against someone else - like Stevie D; then
2. Picard (or a surrogate) will run in November as an independent with an entire slate.
Remember, Picard threatened to refuse the nomination if certain incumbents were endorsed (read: Debbie Collins, Fran Withington). These two were endorsed...you can guess the rest.
UPDATE: The Register reports that the DTC will meet Monday, July 27th -- one day before the deadline -- to try to come up with a nominee. You can bet there'll be names tossed up (and out) between then and now....Stay tuned.
However, his withdrawal leaves the majority party in something of a bind. According to state law, the Democratic Town Committee has to reconvene before July 28th to nominate a candidate...which is a pretty tall order.
There is the real possibility that the Democrats may have no endorsed candidate. This would be real egg on the face of Jim Morrissey, the DTC Chair. This possibly is what was intended: there's no secret that Morrissey and Picard aren't exactly BFF anymore, and there's an undercurrent movement afoot to have him and his supporters kicked off the DTC in March.
So, this is how I see this soap opera playing out:
1. Nancy Rossi (who will probably petition to force a primary) will get her primary against someone else - like Stevie D; then
2. Picard (or a surrogate) will run in November as an independent with an entire slate.
Remember, Picard threatened to refuse the nomination if certain incumbents were endorsed (read: Debbie Collins, Fran Withington). These two were endorsed...you can guess the rest.
UPDATE: The Register reports that the DTC will meet Monday, July 27th -- one day before the deadline -- to try to come up with a nominee. You can bet there'll be names tossed up (and out) between then and now....Stay tuned.
Posts
2 comments:
It smells funny that Picard would wait until literally the very last minute before withdrawing from the race, leaving the local Dems in such a huge quandary. Is there any reason you can think of for him to sabotage his own party?
I honestly have to say I'm not sure as yet...As I said, I was aware of his threat not to accept the nomination if he had to run with Collins and Withington.
But to announce he's not going to run at all (and not even discussing this with his family & supporters) is a bit strange.....
I'll have more on this over the weekend.
Post a Comment