MT. MORIAH

PLP: Keod Smith
FNM: Tommy Turnquest

The PLP nominated Mr. Smith in '02 thinking he had no chance to win, but that he'd manage to annoy then FNM leader Turnquest with his bombastic and loudmouthed style. I think most people were surprised when he actually won - the question then became what to do with him? It's clear that he does not play well with others - apart from the well publisized fight in the Cabinet room, he was often at cross puroses with other party members in his capacity as head of the BEST commision. So why did the PLP re-nominate him? The same reason as before - they don't think he'll win and in this case it seems like there is less fuss involved in just letting him run. Had they shut him out, he'd have screamed bloody murder and probably run independent.
Tommy T only lost by a small margin last time - 118 votes. That's not much to make up. One hopes the lessons of '02 have not been lost on him - if he wants to have any future in politics (and he clearly does) he's got to win and win convincingly. He's had two strikes - he should have won this seat in 1987 when it was called Oakes Field and he should have done a better job in '02. I'm betting that this time he's going to hit the ball for at least a solid double.

Ranking: LIKELY FNM