DEMOCRATS STEALING THE SHOW. If you consider the political season a show like me, then you are amazed at this year’s battle for president in the Democratic primary. The drama here is as good or better than most of the Oscar nominated films in my opinion, and I love the political intrigue on the talk shows every evening.

As this column goes to press, it appeared that Hillary Clinton picked up some momentum by Election Day on Tuesday, and there was a chance she could gather as many or more delegates as Barack Obama in Texas and Ohio, two big states that both candidates had hoped to win. Obama had significant momentum last weekend, but that appeared to turn around on Monday when Clinton hammered away at his experience and his association with a shady businessman in Chicago. This race has more twists and turns than the best novel, and I love it.

I don’t much like the fact that Republican John McCain (essentially the winning Republican) hasn’t been getting much attention lately; but his time will come soon enough, once the Democratic nominee is chosen. That may not happen for three months when the Dems have their convention in Colorado. In fact, McCain could have won enough delegates this week to put him over the top, and by the time you read this column you will know the results.

Who will McCain face in November and will Hillary or Barack be easier to beat? That’s a tough question. Considering McCain leads both in a head to head match up this week, we should be prepared for one heck of a battle this fall. Prognosticators are talking race, gender, experience and intelligence and wondering which will make or break the candidates this year. No one really knows the answer there, and that is what makes this year’s race for the presidency all the more exciting.

If Hillary wins the nomination will young people be disgusted and stay home; and if Barack wins will women turn to McCain? Will the electorate vote for anyone who appears younger than McCain, or will his experience and independent streak win out? Whoever can answer these questions correctly could very well pick the winner, and you can bet we will all be giving our own interpretation of the upcoming competition for votes.

WEST PARK DECISION COMING SOON. Developer Gerry Kamilos will make his case for his West Park Development to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors next month, and he is doing everything possible to sell the project on the West Side. Speaking to packed houses in Newman and Patterson recently, both supporters and detractors showed in mass. While he certainly has some strong opposition to this planned development, he also is picking up support along the way. Supervisor Jim DeMartini is asking all the right questions, and now has started to ask Kamilos what the West Side will get from the project in addition to traffic, congestion and (perhaps) jobs. Kamilos would be smart to include some West Side enhancements that would provide our West Side cities with some incentive for cooperation if the supervisors approve the project.

While the project isn’t a done deal yet, Kamilos has certainly pulled out every resource possible to sell his plan; whether we like it or not, his effort is professional, effective and intense. It’s up to our elected leaders to find ways (including lobbying) to get the board of supervisors to give us more than just cars, trains and people.

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