Lots of options, little interest
Voters will cast ballots next Tuesday, though it doesn't appear anyone is fired up about the primary.
Admittedly, there are few races on the Democratic ticket, but there are plenty of Republican candidates, and candidates with many differing opinions. Registered Republicans have clear choices.
Yet I hear few comments, other than "who's crazy enough to want to be governor this year?"
It's understandable in Marion County. Our election excitement ended when Carla Stovall dropped out of the race. But recently I've traveled in other parts of the state, and there aren't many signs erected. There are some billboards, and an occasional yard sign, but not much activity.
Perhaps they're saving their strength for the general election. It must be a hard decision: do you hold funds for the general election when you still have a primary to win? Do you trust that money will flow like water if you are the sole party candidate for the general election? A surprising number of companies and organizations cover their bases by contributing equal amounts to the Republican and Democratic candidates.
Dan Bloom, the former Eudora school superintendent who now is a successful executive, is intriguing. He freely admits being out of the traditional loop. It's sort of a Jesse Ventura type of campaign. If he can get enough attention from disaffected voters, he can claw his way into the general election.
Nevertheless, the rule of thumb is that the most active and traditional party members vote in the primary. One friend questioned whether Bob Knight would call on his friend Joe Walsh, a guitarist for the Eagles, during the primary.
"If you think that the majority of Republicans voting in the primary will be somewhat conservative, you may not want to be linked with a rock star," my friend said. As it turned out, Knight did call on the Eagles for support. Band members donated tickets for fund-raisers, and Walsh spoke at a press conference backing Knight.
Perhaps it will pick up a few votes; I'm not all that fond of Knight, but I'm a great fan of Joe Walsh. It would be really cool if he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Los Angeles or something. I doubt Tim Shallenburger or Dave Kerr will make the same offer, though if either of them took Pat Benatar to the prom, now is the time to say so.
— MATT NEWHOUSE
