OK, so for anyone who wants the inside scoop. The delegates were extremely
friendly to each other and just about every hack agreed that whoever had the
lead on the first ballot would win in 3-4 ballots. The ballots were counted by
ward and Ortega led in wards 2-4-5 and among the elected officials party
officers. Coleman had a small lead in ward 1, but a huge 30 vote lead in Ward
3
(Highland) and a substantial lead in wards 6-7 (East Side). On the second
ballot Ortega picked up votes in ward 1, lost slightly in the other wards and
lost
his lead among the elected officials/party officers. Resistance was futile
and he gave a very nice speech for party unity.
As someone who has been doing this for thirty plus years the convention
always symbolizes to me the last day where the candidates make, direct, real,
personal contact with average citizens. For the last month, two people who
want to
be our mayor have been individually available to these delegates for
questions and scrutiny. The only criteria for being a delegate was to care
enough to
show up. From here on out it is the campaign and the only ones left who get
the personal touch are the people that the candidates need to put the touch on
for money.
Doubt me? Just look at either Chris' or Randy's schedule for the next six
months. From now on its dialing for dollars, fundraiser, photo op's and meet
and greets (30 seconds and move 'em along).
The winner will be he who can raise the money to get the name in front of the
voters in a good enough package that will motivate them to vote.
J.M.O.N.T.O.M.E.P.P.O.F.
Chuck Repke
Ward 2
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