David Stoltzfus, the newly-minted chairman of the Lancaster City Republican Committee, told the Nest tonight no GOP candidate has thus far expressed a desire to take on the Goliath in this year’s city election: incumbent Mayor Rick Gray.
That means Gray appears set to win a second four-year term as the city’s chief executive officer.
I confess: When Stoltzfus told me this during a chat at Prince Street Cafe, I didn’t exactly fall out of my seat and spill the latte I was drinking. Let’s be frank - Did any Republican have a serious chance at beating Gray? Let’s look at the playing field for the answer.
Democrats hold a - gulp - 14,000 edge in registered city voters compared to the GOP. They have won every city election, every single one of them, since 2003. City Council, mayor, row office, state Representative, all Democratic victories. Advantage: Gray, huge.
Much like Gov. Ed Rendell three years ago, Gray is seeking a second term having presided over an administration that’s been relatively free of controversy. No major layoffs, either. No intra-party fighting. Gray and City Council, made up of all Democrats, debate issues now and then, but you don’t have a serious rival emerging the way you did with former Republican Mayor Charlie Smithgall and GOP City Councilman Luis Mendoza several years ago that caused ill feelings to permeate the party and dominate headlines. Advantage: Gray.
And when I look at the list of potential candidates, who out there can say they have the experience Gray has in municipal government finance? There’s only one, Smithgall, and Gray beat Smithgall in a landslide four years ago. Otherwise, other city Republicans may have the desire but not the resume Gray has. Advantage: Is this really a surprise?
Without a viable challenger in the primary or general election, Gray appears destined to continue as the face and voice of Lancaster Democrats for another four years. And honestly, I haven’t any local Democrat complain about that to me.
