In addition to Joe Tarr's analysis from the other day, Progressive Dane's Lukas Diaz has a run-down of the possible Democratic contenders for the Assembly seat Rep. Spencer Black will be vacating.
...I've also heard mention of both Alder Mark Clear (District 19) and County Supervisor Al Matano (District 11), a strong RTA supporter: Sup. Al Matano of Madison said he thought the [RTA] vote was "the most important economic development vote anyone of us will take on this board."
Wow. That would be interesting. Would it be cool for Clear to do that right after he assumed his new position as Council president? That would mean he would spend much of the summer campaigning and fundraising. Back in the day when the Council presidents didn't do a whole lot, maybe simultaneously running a legislative race would be OK. But I suspect that Clear, who believes the president should take a more active role in agenda-setting and policy-making, would not feel comfortable taking attention off of his current post so soon after his election.
Plus, Spencer Black's seat will no-doubt be filled by a Democrat, but that Democrat will likely be in the minority come January. So if Clear were elected, he might go from having a position of influence in the Council to being a freshman member of the minority party one of the least powerful of the 99 members.
Another interesting point from Diaz, a self-described "left-wing nationalist" and "conservationist."
If I may add, Brett Hulsey is almost certain to run at this point. You know Brett Hulsey, he's the pro-coal environmentalist. Haha, yeah, I don't know how an environmentalist can be pro-coal. I imagine it involves being paid cash-money...
How ironic. Hulsey's reputation, from supporters and opponents alike, seems so grounded in his environmental advocacy on the County Board. If he justified the plant's existence in economic terms (where does most of our energy come from anyway?), then OK. But if he joined the disingenuous supporters of "clean-coal" or some other similarly useless technology, then that is a major betrayal to the cause of clean air. I hope there is a better explanation. Brenda Konkel also voices disappointment, writing "how said it would be if we replaced an environmentalist with this."