Tweety hosting Philly Mayoral Primary Debate Monday:

[PCIntern]

We have an interesting race going on here...five candidates, three black, two white, the black candidates far preferable to the white guys IMO. One Caucasian is Mr. Knox, who made a fortune in predatory payday lending and the like. The other is Representative Bob Brady, who's not a bad guy in the least, but he's a backroom deal-maker and a good one at that, but not a leader IMO. The three African-Americans are competent and rightfully popular, although Representative Fattah has some problems, he's not as frightening as our present mayor. The other two are Dwight Evans, a respectable politician, and the local star Michael Nutter who has an excellent legislative record as a City Councilman, and whose campaign had been undermined by the machine, but has resurged b/c people know how good he is. It's gonna be close. The winner, barring Sam Katz's entry as an Independent, will be the next mayor.

[Selatius]

1. Do you guys have provisions for run-offs if there are more than two candidates running?

One thing that galls me with American politics is that a person doesn't need to win a majority of the vote to necessarily win. With a two round system, at least one could ensure the person who sits in the seat did so after having won the approval of the majority of voters.

[PCIntern]

2. Let me refer you to my buddy's article

from TODAY's Inquirer

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20070506_Heres_a_better_way_to_elect.html

I have another post running re:this

:hi:

[Selatius]

3. Ah, yes, IRV.

I think several states run their state primaries using IRV now, but I could be wrong.