You wouldn't believe it, but Brenda Konkel is looking for an excuse to believe Mayor Dave is in danger:
saw these numbers and was kind of stunned. I imagined that it was much closer than that. But then, as I thought about it further, most people I talk to think Cieslewicz is running ahead and will win . . . but when you ask them who they are voting for . . . its "anyone but Dave" or "I can't vote for Dave".
Again with the "people I've talked to." Brenda has told me I'd be surprised by how wide the political spectrum of her friends range, but I still don't think that's saying much.
Ok, I understand that Cieslewicz has been raising money longer and has more money in the bank, but that's a huge difference in this last reporting period. You'd think if Cieslewicz has a bunch of supporters, they would have rallied during this reporting period due to Paul Soglin being a credible candidate.
Maybe, but like latecomers to the county executive race, Soglin is undoubtedly going to benefit from a surge of contributors at the beginning. He's the talk of the town. Cieslewicz, who already has a big money advantage, likely received contributions from the loyalists long ago, has to work harder to extract contributions, but if he can keep a steady pace he should be fine.
The path to Mayor Dave's re-election isn't necessarily paved with electrifying excitement from the donors and the grassroots. It's paved with steady approval from the Madison electorate, including the backing of major players in politics and business.
That's not a prediction, although I do think Cieslewicz is still the favorite.
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