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

[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.