If the next round of municipal elections still seems far off, that not stopping the rumor-mill from chattering away.  Placing aside the well-know state-rep races, here are other possible changes people are talking about.

Committeepersons

6 – Committeeman Patrick Cacchione has had a “For Sale” outside his house for the past four months. Still it’s unclear whether he is even planning to out of the ward. In the event he did, his most obvious successor, Dave Sweeney, recently relocated to the 15, so who knows who Committeewoman Bev Bucheit would appoint.

9 – Committeeman Ron Auer is also on the move. He and his wife, Ann, are moving into a new house in 8. Pat Ortmann is the committeewoman.

21 – With the passing of arch-nemesis Myrtle French, Arthur Washington was able to consolidate the power of the ward for the first time in a long time.  Rumors had Antonio French as a possible challenger to the aging Washington next August, but considering his duties navigating Rodney Hubbard’s senate race, those plans may now be on hold. 

Those rumors also had Jamilah Nasheed running for the committeewoman; Nasheed has denied those ambitions.

23 – Rumors have Francis Slay Sr. handing over committeeman duties to Dan Hagerty.

Alderpersons

1 – Quincy Troupe could face a primary challenge from committeewoman and former state rep. Yaphett El-Amin.  As a former state rep himself, history is not on Troupe’s side considering the short aldermanic careers of two other former state reps – Tom Bauer and O.L. Shelton.  

7 – Alderwoman Phyllis Young has been the subject of occasional retirement rumors, but that looks doubtful given her upcoming fundraiser.

15 – Jennifer Florida is the lighting-rod of choice for the discontented in (and out) of her ward.  McDonalds-gate led to a half-hearted recall attempt.  But between her rift with Board President Lewis Reed and the background presence of soon-to-be-termed Rep. Mike Daus (who lost to Florida by a handful of votes in 2001), the primary talk has heightened.

23 – There's more than the standard grumbling going on in 23. In fact, there are already three names in the air. The only scenario where Kathleen Hanrahan avoids a primary is if she doesn't run for re-election.  Mary Homan, Mike Sorth and Joe Vaccaro are the possible candidates. Vaccaro ran for the seat as an independent in May 2004 special election, and he pulled down 35%.

25 – Rumors have Dorothy Kirner retiring. If that holds true, one could imagine Committeewoman Maggie Lampe running. Or perhaps a second run by Steve Patterson, who lost to Kirner in 2005. Or both.

State Reps

60 – Jamilah Nasheed’s seat is said to be the latest target of former alderwoman Sharon Tyus’ comeback. Nasheed showed an impressive fundraising effort last quarter in anticipation of the challenge.

57 – Former alderwoman, and former mayoral candidate Irene Smith is mentioned as a possible primary opponent for Rep. T.D. El-Amin.

Citywides

No names so far to take on incumbents Jennifer Joyce, Jim Murphy and Larry Williams

The Missouri Democratic Party held a fundraiser downtown Friday night.  The event was well-attended (968 paying). Politicians and activists came from across the state. Jo reports that $500,000 was raised.  Here's what I heard:

• Two new names for the 67th (Daus is termed) were circulating: Lori Becker and Greg Christian.  They're both part of the Young Dems set, and have both worked at Vigilant. Becker ran Joan Barry's 3rd CD campaign in 2004. Christian ran Caccione's 6th ward race.
• Judy Baker is looking at the Lieutenant Governor's race.
• Sara Lampe will run in the 30th SD in 2010. It's an open seat as Norma Champion is termed.
• The House Democratic Campaign Committee has enlisted the aid of political consultant / fundraiser Vince Currao. Rachel Storch reports exceptional enthusiasm for their efforts.
• Jake Hummel was on the scene handing out Hummel for State Rep business cards. He's running in the 108th. (Villa is termed.)
• Don Calloway was shaking a lot of hands. He's running in the 71st. (Esther Haywood is termed) His April quarter will only show a couple of 000s. A second candidate, Vernon Harlan, recently started a committee in that race.