Maggie Unchallenged.

As you know by now, the Democrats did not put forward a candidate to oppose Maggie Brooks for Monroe County (NY) Executive. Here is Joe Morelle's press release on the topic:

“After a wide ranging search and discussions with many fine potential nominees, I regret that we will not be fielding a candidate for Monroe County Executive in 2007.
“The absence of a county executive candidate does not indicate acquiescence to Republican policies that we believe have led to budget deficits, economic stagnation, and a loss of the public’s faith in the integrity of county government.
“Instead, we believe the best way to address these issues is to focus on the many important campaigns for the Monroe County Legislature, which in recent years has abdicated its role as the body charged with providing oversight and checks and balances in the face of executive power.
“We are confident that in 2007, the Monroe County Democratic Party will continue the resurgence of the past two years, and continue to offer the citizens of Monroe County true leadership and a genuine vision for a better future for this community.”

I've read and heard a number of explanations, excuses, justifications, clarifications, etc., etc.
Frankly, any way you spin it, the failure to put forth an opponent for Maggie Brooks is an embarrassment to the Democrat Party. For those of you who think this will help the Democrats focus on taking the County Legislature, my advice is don't bet the house.

I guess the Democrats hope that voters will rally around Ms. Palumbo’s vacuous “12 point (non)plan” to take back the County. Of course, its generally easier to rally around ideas which are carried forth by a leader. If that plan is so good, why couldn't the Democrats get someone to run on that platform?

And I don’t buy the “its hard to get someone to be a sacrificial lamb” theory. The Democrats had some people who could have made a race of it, but who would either not risk their current jobs (e.g., Ms. Frankel) or who would not risk harming their future electoral plans (e.g., Mr. Koon). Boy, there are some examples of selfless and courageous leadership! I can see why we would be much better off with Democrats in charge of the County.