DFO (responding to Eric Hoteman's concern that an apathetic public could lead to a City Council victory for newcomer Toby Schindelbeck over veteran incumbent Ron Edinger): The anti-McEuen Park crowd was motivated to get out and vote for Gookin & Adams 4 years ago. So it wasn't surprising that they easily beat better candidates (George Sayler and John Bruning, respectively). However, Gookin had shown in 2007 that he could muster the always unhappy anti-tax crowd with his anti-urban renewal serenade. Gookin gave Edinger a scare in 2007 before losing 2,626 to 2,260. It would have been interesting to see Gookin challenged this year. He lost the Rally Right crowd by virtual of his support the anti-discrimination ordinance. But gained some of the Tony Stewart crowd. It would have been nice to see Gookin explain, in a contested race, exactly what he has done -- positive -- the last 4 years to help this community. I wouldn't count Toby Schindelbeck out. But he doesn't have a GOP closed primary to weed out challengers or the magical R after his name in a general election. The close race will be Dan English's contest against anti-government Adams.

DFO: Frankly, I'm more concerned re: the race between hardline conservative incumbent Steve Adams and former county clerk Dan English. English would be a major upgrade in that position. However, Adams attracts the motivated uber-cons who could push him over the top if the turnout is small. Thoughts?