Clark County Democrat Party Chairman

Goliath has been hearing rumors, for months, that we are due to get a new Party Chairman.  Rod Pate is coming around the curve apparently and for one reason or another is believed to be on his way out.

As for his tenure,  it was never a truly comfortable situation when he was an  City (of Jeffersonville) employee and therefore, under the direction of a public office holder.  However, those who pay attention to such things,
realized that despite the appearance of bad influence,   this simply wasn't the case as Rod proved when he failed to 'punish' Mike Hutt ....the one self appointed Inspector Javert to Galligan's Valjean.  Instead,  he gave Hutt
a 'consolation' prize of a precinct chair when Hutt failed to secure one in his district over Beth Valentine.

But,  Mr. Pate's legacy  was mixed.  He supervised the caucus that led to the controversy in replacing Judge Donahue's successor,  he presided as Mike Moore bolted the party and a three challenger's were  'allowed' to emerge to challenge Pate's boss, Tom G.  So...he will go down in the books as a very nice guy but not
exactly a Boss Tweed head banger.  Goliath kind of likes the head banger type but,  in the real world it may be okay to be a 'nice guy' sometimes.

All of which leads us to the succesor to Mr. Pate.  Out there in the little circles where people care about such
matters,  Goliath can report that the most frequently heard names are  Joe Renck and Dave Abbott.  As far as Goliath knows,  both these fellows are good guys and long time loyal democrats.  But, Goliath sorry to say
he is not convinced that either man is up to the task of leading the whole  Clark County Democrat Party .

Joe Renck has a solid history of courthouse expertise of a kind.  He is a guy who knows how to get things done....but he wouldn't appear to have legs outside of Jeffersonville.  His good old boy manner might play well at the Hibernia Coon Supper, but then again...it might not.   Dave Abbott is a Charlestown boy and has good connections in the Charlestown wing of the Dem party (as well as subterranean connections to Clarksville....but so does Joe)  but Jeff boys and girls will NEVER take him for a leader in Goliath's giant opinion.

As a compatriot said today....the Dems are looking at possibly a ten year long drought locally.  The county government is well and truly Screwed...for at least five years.  We have a presidential election coming up
where the Dem candidate (presumably Obama) was not a favorite in Clark County.  Our good friends the
Clark County Republicans know this,  smell it and can almost taste it.  If they can get themselves set up right
and overcome their own local screwed up problems they can tear down the Democratic Domination we have
enjoyed in Clark County lo these many DECADES.

So,  Goliath wonders....is Joe or Dave  THE GUY that we want leading us in this fight?    Just remember
guys and gals....like every election....but even MORE SO IN THE ONES AHEAD....this is about the FUTURE.   What will Joe or Dave look like to your average 30 year old politically awakening Clark County
Citizen?   Goliath thinks they are going to not look too appealing.  (Thank goodness the Repubs counter with Jamey Noel. Geesh!)

I can only say one thing....on a side note,  we all know that when Steve Stewart steps down in a few years,
there will be a showdown likely between a. Jake Elder,  b. Bob Bottorff, c. Brit Blau (Maybe...did I just say that?).  and a young republican.    Bob Bottorff would likely be a shoo in if he served some time as County
Chairman before this race....and he's the only one with ties in the country and in the city strong enough to
win Chairman (in GHO)

Bob is young enough.  He has campaign experience (see father, see mother, see K.P.)  So...you read it
here first. Goliath nominates Bob Bottorff for County Chair.