Basic-needs candidate forum this evening at the Cruise Terminal drew a standing-room-only crowd. I got down there late hoping they had attracted more than 10 people. Well, there was not a single parking space left and I had to park down the street. I knew it was different. Inside the dome room, the forum was run very efficiently and, showing street savvy, the organizers put the mayor candidates last. They kept the crowd.

A few observations on the city candidates, based on tonight and previous forums. We have some offices where either candidate will do a good job. Barry Buchanan and Larry Farr, running for city council 3rd Ward seat are both good candidates. There are differences and I have a preference - but either will represent us well. Same for Stan Snapp and Damon Gray. There, I've known Stan for over 20 years and was for him at the beginning of the campaign. He has not disappointed but I've become very impressed with Damon Gray. Damon has shown a strong grasp of issues and an understanding of how people are concerned. Either will serve us very well. All four showed very good awareness of the basic needs issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness. All four have conducted honorable campaigns that deal with the issues. Those who lose will be welcomed back to run for office in future years.

Then there are Louise Bjornson and Michael Lilliquist for the At Large seat. I'm at a point where I'll probably vote for Louise - and I never thought I would again. Michael is impressing everyone with his intelligence and speaking ability. I suffer from having watched him be one of the leaders to cause the divisiveness in the Fairhaven neighborhood earlier this year. He decided to run on almost the spur of the moment when he and some of his friends felt betrayed by Louise. I'm concerned that the arrogance and bullying he showed before deciding to file for office may return once he is elected. In the end, we know Louise means well but is not a focused representative. She loves the office. Maybe things will clarify between these two in the next couple weeks.

It has been a long day. Till tomorrow, good night.

4 pm
KGMI radio this morning was amazing. The Bonner & Brooks talk show discussed the issue of dirty politics. The four podcasts that cover this hour of discussion and call ins are posted on the KGMI website. David Hunter, whose email is the subject of the Herald article, called in during Segment 2 and continues through Segment 3. He further incriminates himself. It is quite amazing. David has been deeply involved in the McShane campaign since early spring to the present, including attending the campaign commitee meetings. This according to his statements on KGMI. But through all of the show he seems to not have a clue how damaging his actions were.

1 am
These next 7 to 10 days are the critical campaign time when candidates either seal up their wins or blow their chances. The well timed smears - if any - will make their appearance late this week - in the days that lead up to the mailing of ballots on next Wednesday, October 17. And I am hearing solid rumors of smears in the making. Hopefully the more mature heads in the campaign groups will prevail and we will not see the smears. If they play out then this website will do its best to name the responsible persons. And I have reason to think at least some of the other news media will act the same.

The above was written late Tuesday evening after several phone calls with others as we have tried to narrow down the source of rumors about Dan Pike.

Tis now midnight and the Herald Wednesday issue is online. Sam Taylor has an article on the very issues we have been concerned with. It is a good article.

There is no question for me about the dirty mayoral campaign. Pike's group is not doing negative. Indeed, while I am not part of his campaign, I have not seen one single thing from his campaign that is negative. It is really a sad commentary on our local politics that he and his wife have had to deal with this stuff. I remember a few years ago when Tip Johnson ran for Port Commissioner and some of these same people smeared him over family matters. Funny how the same names come up every election.

Lets hope Sam Taylor's willingness to print up this stuff will serve notice that if the Herald learns the particulars of later smears that it may print those particulars.