Huckleberries has heard the rumors that Councilman Dan Gookin has checked his qualifications to become mayor and dropped Mary Souza's name as Gov. Butch Otter's appointee to the City Council should the RecallCDA effort succeed. Also, Huckleberries has heard that Recallers will help County Clerk Cliff Hayes verify signatures. The second part is entirely false. I asked City Clerk Susan Weathers to clarify the conversation she had with Gookin this week. Here's her emailed response:

• "To the first statement regarding Dan Gookin, that statement is not entirely true. During one of our daily discussions, Dan commented that he did not think he could be mayor.  I explained that it was possible for him to be appointed Mayor and I explained the process to him. He did mention Mary Souza's name but not as the Governor's pick.
• "In response to the second rumor, it is just that - a rumor.  Councilman Edinger commented that he heard that County Clerk Cliff Hayes might use Recall people to volunteer to certify the signatures.  I have confirmed with County Clerk Cliff Hayes that that is not true.  He is anticipating having 3 full time employees and 7 temporary employees work to certify the petitions."

Thoughts?