Morning After Moonglow

Well it is the morning after in Palm Springs. And a new day has dawned in the fabled city. As per is my wont, I got the election prediction wrong n Palm Springs. I did predict Geoff Kors which anyone could have done. Paul Lewin as of this writing trails by 20 votes to JR Rpberts who I did have finishing 2nd. But that lead is tenuous right now That race may not be decided for a few weeks and we even may see a recount. No of course the surprise is the Mayor's race where voters sent such a clear message in the election of Robert Moon.

I often say the only time % of votes matter is at the end of the night. And in this race, it spoke volumes. Ginny Foat, despite the backing of the rich and powerful got only 25% of the vote!! Obviously that means the 75% voted against her!! Robert Moon gathered 36% for his victory outpacing Foat by roughly 1100 votes.

The votes against Ms. Foat and Mr. Lewin were obviously a reaction to the ongoing corruption investigations into city practices and the September FBI raid. Now Foat's disappointed supporters will talk about how mean and vicious this election was. Let me make it clear. Ginny Foat is no victim. She is an experienced political operator who gives as good as she gets. She still will be on the city council and have tremendous influence. Hopefully she will be gracious in defeat.

But the era of Pougnet/Mills/Foat which started in 2003 has come to an end. The voters have chosen to now move in a different path.

I think the reason that I got the election for Mayor wrong is that I underestimated the overall revulsion of the voters at the corruption probe. I think today, there is shock at City Hall as the ruling clique in Palm Springs just got jolted. While black bunting may adorn both the Hilton and Spencer's Restaurant in Palm Springs, the majority of voters in Palm Springs spoke loudly and clearly last night. They want a different path.

Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com