Jen - please check your e-mail... thank you...

Hello, all-

I publish a web site called Campaignia.org, and it is dedicated to studying political campaigns, with a particular emphasis on 21st-century campaign strategy and tactics. Campaignia.org recently covered the May 7 mayoral debate at the National Constitution Center; just click on www.campaignia.org/6.html, for a reasonably complete transcript of the question-and-answer session that took place afterwards, with four of the five candidates as well as moderator (and Philadelphia native) Chris Matthews of MSNBC.

I am particularly interested in this mayoral race, because of the volatility in the polls, and in a fractured five-way race, the GOTV efforts of the official Democratic organization, the official campaigns themselves, plus groups such as Philly for Change are an important factor.

I also believe that it was wise for Philly for Change to not only make an endorsement for mayor, but for Council candidates as well, both at-large and in Council districts. Politicians have to wait their turn to move up the ladder; former Councilman Nutter served 15 years on City Council before having a chance to go for the big prize. In particular, the huge, crowded field of at-large Council candidates, the simple luck of the draw of ballot position is of supreme importance. The phenomenon of "voter fatigue" is very real, particularly in this cycle, when voters not only have to choose mayoral and Council candidates but vote on a slew of judicial nominees, the vast majority of whom they have never heard. Accordingly, down-the-ballot candidates are grateful for the attention and it will likely be remembered.