We don’t take off odd-numbered years here at SSP, because we know that you don’t, either. There are a handful of bigger races taking place in 2011, but we want to hear about the elections happening in your neck of the woods that most folks aren’t really paying attention to. The Houston Chronicle has a look at a handful of interesting races going on this year, but we know this community can go much further into the weeds. So talk to us, people!
96 thoughts on “2011 Elections”
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The real action is in the May Democratic primary: will Michael Nutter survive, or will the horrible economy get it his way?
I don’t actually know if he has any real competition yet.
All the action is in May. Let’s see if Mayor Leppet decides to run for re-election or not. And who is going to carry the Dem flag?
He was Lt. Governor of Louisiana for about 2 years before he became mayor of New Orleans. I never really understood why he would take (what i perceive to be) a lower-level job as a mayor. Would there be any possibility of him running for Governor if Jindal’s approval sinks, and no other Democrat of note takes the race? Would he have to resign to run? or could he just run on the side?
Two Democratic primary candidates right now. Former Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy (unsuccessfully ran in 2006 Prosecutor’s race) and former City-County Council member Ron Gibson. The winner will take on Republican Mayor Greg Ballard in November.
Beshear is up against his mortal enemy, State Senator Williams. However, due to the weaksauce candidates downballot (P’Pool for A-G? Really?), Kentucky has a good shot of ending up with every statewide KY government position being held by a Democrat.
By the way, whose running for Ag Commissioner for the Dems? Hoosierdem said that they have a strong candidate, but didn’t mention a name.
The primary (aka the real election) is in early May.
With the city’s finances essentially at the mercy of state bureaucrats, and speculation mounting over whether Gary will be able to escape municipal bankruptcy or even dissolution … it’s going to be an interesting race.
I’m still kinda surprised that I don’t hear about this nearly at all in anybody’s big races for 2011, but the big deal this year for me is who’ll be the next Mayor of Las Vegas. I guess who’ll replace Goodman is not as exciting as what Goodman will do next.
21, male, Moderate Dem, CA-40 (College CA-40) (Raised NV-03)
Hey, I know this isn’t really what this is for, but could someone please do a hypothetical dem gerrymander of Indiana and Texas?
I’m getting more into city elections and will watch this one.
We’ll be having our mayoral election this spring, like other Texas cities. Julian Castro will be running for re-election. So far no major opponents have emerged to challenge him. It’s non-partisan, but he’s a Democrat.
Two-time former mayor (1967-1974 and 1995-2003) Dick Greco, who is still officially a Democrat as far as I know but backed George W. Bush and just about every other Republican to run for office in recent years, is the frontrunner. Some credible candidates are in the race, though, probably hoping to finish second and force a runoff. These include:
Moderate Republican County Commissioner Rose Ferlita
Moderate Democrat and former City Councilor Bob Buckhorn, who waged a notorious battle against lap dances years ago
African-American former Democratic County Commissioner Tom Scott
Former Democratic County Commissioner and light rail advocate Ed Turanchik
The Senate is going to be tough for the Democrats to hold, given that there are a lot of potentially vulnerable seats up. Matters are made worse by the fact that it looks like at least one of them (Chuck Colgan, incorrectly referred to as a Republican) is looking likely to retire.
The House is probably not going to change much. I expect the Democrats to regain some of the seats they lost in 2009, but it’ll be balanced out by the fact that they will probably lose seats in redistricting.
Everything’s going to depend on the map. With a couple of Dems who seem to be with Christie on certain things anyway, Republicans wouldn’t even need outright majorities to allow Christie to have firm control.
That it’s a total mess makes it entertaining — but it’s that it involves folks known for statewide runs (Hoeffel) and being primed for future ones (Josh Shapiro, Bruce Castor) makes it relevant.
Right now it looks like former city planner Otis Rolley has emerged as the main contender to incumbent Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake. St. Senator Catherine Pugh is supposedly considering a run as well.
Rolley and Blake had their first fundraisers on Tuesday. Blake had most of the power players, but Rolley got a lot of press because his fundraiser was headlined by Bill Cosby.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/ne…
The first off year after the presidential race always has marquis races like Virginia governor, NJ governor and New York City major. About the only race I’m halfway interested in this year is Chicago mayor, and that will be over early. (unless that extremely optimistic article printed by Daily Kingfisher is accurate and Bobby Jindal is really in some sort of trouble down in Louisiana, but I’ve seen no correlating proof on that).
On the other hand, this is the time the presidential contest starts to heat up, so at least there’s that.
Nothing would make me happier in 2011 to see Jindal lose re-election.
I know the odds, I’m just saying….
We’ll watch the TEA assault here in Texas throughout 2011 because HUTCHISON JUST ANNOUNCED SHE’S RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION.
I’m running for municipal office. Its a tiny thing, but the fact that some people will choose me on their ballots causes me undying joy.
The Philly mayor election is probably the most exciting that anyone else at all cares about. Nutter is a very good campaigner, he should win easily.