Get set for a knock-down, drag out primary in Pittsburgh for the office of Mayor.

[Divernan]

The Boy Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl, has just announced he will not run for re-election (although he just declared his intent to run only 11 days ago). Officially it's the pressures on his "family life", and his aides were piously referring to his mother's health problems to explain his recent disappearances/unavailability - that's SOP for the Boy Mayor - an urban Where's Waldo game. (Best guess? Seven Springs). As to his family life, he's long divorced. As to his mother's health, I'm glad to note she appeared at his side when he made this announcement - and looked hale and hearty. And I must share my next door neighbor, the cop's chortling over Boy Mayor's standard first words when showing up at social events: "Where's the chicks?"

The received wisdom is that Luke is running scared about the police chief brouhaha, re which he was recently he-said-briefed, others-say-grilled by the FBI, for two hours.
The primary is May 21st. There's speculation whether Little Luke will be forced to resign before then, or before the end of his term. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/pittsburgh-mayor-ravenstahl-cites-grueling-demands-in-withdrawal-from-race-677542/

Oh, one more comment. Luke has indicated he has decided to endorse one of the primary candidates for his replacement, but coyly refused to identify that person. What's the delay? Is he waiting to see who offers him the most for that endorsement? The endorsement would presumably include Luke releasing his accumulated campaign funds to said endorsee. Or has his choice, said, You know, Luke, why don't we hold off on a public endorsement and see if you get further dragged in to this police scandal? Cause an endorsement from Luke could end up being the kiss of death.

[blue neen]

1. The day Ravenstahl gave the announcement about Harper he had a very strange look on his face.

I think Luke knew right then and there that the jig was up.

On to the primary, and may the best candidate win.

[Pryderi]

6. Just saw this in my FB feed

[Pat Riot]

8. LOL!

Rushing to add Rogers to Facebook.

[mrmpa]

2. My gut tells me...................

that when Ravenstahl went to the FBI, with criminal defense attorne Bob DelGreco at his side, the FBI made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

I think the FBI showed Ravenstahl the evidence against him, and that he was given the offer to testify against others, and he, Ravenstahl would not be prosecuted.

If you remember, after he met with the FBI he held a press conference, and his first words were "I am not a target of this investigation."

It's just a gut feeling.

[femmocrat]

3. So far it looks like Peduto and Lamb and maybe a couple of lesser-knowns.

No word from Jack Wagner yet. I'm still ruing the day that Wagner did not get the democratic nomination for governor. If he runs for mayor, I guess there is no chance of his taking on Corbett?

[Pat Riot]

4. I'm gonna work for Peduto

I like Lamb too. He seemed like more of a bulldog at some meetings I sat in on, while Peduto seemed more like a politician.

Fracking decided me. Peduto is still for the total ban while Lamb is for careful zoning.

This is a blog I came across in my search for info in this decision.

http://pghcomet.blogspot.com/2013/01/mayor-ravenstahl-supports-natural-gas.html

[Pryderi]

5. Maybe he's selling his non-endorsement. n/t

[Divernan]

7. LOL!

[Pryderi]

9. Poll: Peduto 30%, Wagner 20% in PGH Mayoral Primary

http://www.politicspa.com/poll-peduto-30-wagner-20-in-pgh-mayoral-primary/46512/

Peduto, who officially has been running for the office for months and unofficially for nearly a decade, has 30%.

Former Pa. Auditor General and state Sen. Jack Wagner took 20%. He has not officially declared his candidacy, but he and supporters are presently circulating petitions.

City Controller Michael Lamb, who like Peduto declared his candidacy before Ravenstahl dropped out, is in third place at 13%.

State Sen. Jim Ferlo is in fourth with 7% and City Council President Darlene Harris is in fifth at 5%. Neither has announced a bid, though Harris has confirmed she is circulating petitions.

Wagner lead the pack with 93% name ID, followed by Peduto at 89%, Lamb at 87% and Harris at 77%. The release did not specify Ferlo’s ID, aside the fact that is is above Harris’.