I just talked to Ald. Larry Palm on facebook (I hope you're reading, Bill Lueders!). He confirmed the rumor that he will not run for Council president, saying that "Marsha emerged as the front-runner."
In addition, he said he was upset that Tim Bruer and Mark Clear chose to run for leadership again last year, contrary to Council tradition. He also said that while he hadn't seen Rummel's leadership skills in action, he liked the expectations she was setting for the president:
1. Council office is a mess. She says she'll work more proactively to involve the full council in how we manage the office.
2. Council communication is a mess. She says she'll communicate more. So does Clear, but to be honest he stole those talking points from me 3 years ago and never has fulfilled that promise.
3. New alders are not being given good advice. Case in point: Maniaci and the Edgewater.
At least one Marsha fan expressed cautious optimism in Rummel's chances of winning. Palm also told me that some alders had come to him regretting their votes to re-elect Bruer/Clear last year, which suggests that Clear could be working with a reduced base of support than Bruer enjoyed.