THE REAL REFERENDUM ON MAY 3
By Daniel Kisner
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 could signal end to a political era or it just may stay intact. After almost 8 years of political successes and failures for the Weinzapfel Administration, those who are loyal to Mayor Weinzapfel are now betting on Troy Tornatta to carry on the political torch of Mayor Weinzapfel.
Tornatta’s late entrance into the Democratic primary race has caused a major division within the Vanderburgh Democratic Party. Members of the Central Committee and its party Chairman, Mark Owen are openly supporting Tornatta over Rick Davis with their words, their actions, and their money. Local union bosses are not only supporting Tornatta, they are encouraging their membership to as well. Rick Davis has not been deterred. He continues to take his message door to door and from meeting to meeting. His campaign doesn’t rely on any outside pollsters or campaign staff. His newspaper advertising is on target with his mission–“It’s time for a new direction”. His TV ads are less effective because his lovely dog takes away from his political message. On the other hand Tornatta’s TV ad is considered to be a roll of the political dice. He openly supports the Weinzapfel doctrine and suggests that if you elect him the Weinzapfel era (business as usual) shall continue. Davis spends a great deal of time staying after a public gathering and talking with those whom attended the gathering one on one. Tornatta says his piece and leaves.
Both candidates are considered intelligent, honest, well intended, aggressive, and both candidate’s spouses are considered by all to be major assets to their campaigns. However it is Davis that has the political edge because of the anti-incumbent mood of the voters.
Political watchers have all eyes on the 2nd and 6th Wards. Conventional wisdom is that if Al Lindsey wins the 6th Ward and Patrick McBride wins the 2nd Ward then Rick Davis shall be elected. However if B J Watts wins the 6 Ward and Missy Mosby wins the 2nd Ward then Tornatta shall be elected. Of course the heavily Democratic 4th Ward is also a concern for both candidates. It is considered that the 4th Ward shall not give either candidate a big voting edge because of the recent non-endorsement editorial published in the popular “OUR TIMES” newspaper who serves the needs of the people living in the Center City area.
Political types also watching to see if Republicans will cross over to vote in the Democratic primary. If they do, it is expected that the majority shall vote shall be for Davis. Political types are reporting that the Davis camp is getting its lion share of the local Tea Party and Freedom Makers votes. Also the absentee votes shall be strongly in favor of Davis because of the extensive effort made by his supporters.
Tornatta’s camp is relying heavy on the local union bosses, Mayor Weinzapfel, his loyal supporters, Mark Owens and his Democratic Central Committee, a few elected County Officials, and City Attorney David Jones.
However, it is felt widely that the city employees of Evansville and independent thinking voters shall play a major role in determining who shall win this Democratic primary battle for the nomination for Mayor of Evansville!
No matter how the votes go in May 3 Democratic primary, this shall be considered a referendum on Mayor Weinzapfel last two (2) terms in office! If Tornatta is right about the Mayors popularity, then he wins! If Davis is correct about the general rejection of Mayor Weinzapfel’s way of running the City of Evansville, then he wins!
If the Mayor is considered popular in the 2nd and 6th Wards, then Mosby and Watts will win! If not, then Lindsey and McBride will win the Democratic nomination for these City Council seats!
If Davis loses this primary battle it is all but certain that his political future is in doubt! If Tornatta loses it is almost certain his political career is over because he will have lost two political races in a row.
Finally, if Tornatta loses it shall signal the end of a successful tenure for the Vanderburgh County Democratic Chairmen, Mark Owens because of the role he played in this primary battle.