Report from the Campaign Trail

Taking advantage of the nice weather today, I hit the pavement to knock on doors. (My progress was slowed by when my 'check engine' and 'VSC off' lights came on and I had to leave my car at Schwenn's Service and borrow my son's car.)

One thing is very apparent: very few people know that Bob Miller has withdrawn from the city council race. I was using a very targeted list of people who are more politically active than the average. Two of the voters I talked to were aware of the situation (that's maybe 5%).

Of course, it really is early; the yard signs just sprouted in the last week. Most normal people don't spend a lot of time thinking about who is running for city council.

To recap: Bob Miller's name will be on the ballot, but he has withdrawn from the race because he lost his job the day after the filing period ended. He has repeatedly asked people not to vote for him. He even sent a statement to be read at the candidate's debate. If he is elected, he has said unequivocally that he will not serve. In that case, the five members of the council will decide how to fill the vacancy and pick a date for a special election (probably either in November 2009 or April 2010).

But getting local news is a challenge in Monona (as with most small towns). If you don't read the Herald, watch the council meetings on Monona cable, or read this blog, then you won't know except by word of mouth.

So far, based on my experience, the word has not spread.