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| Councilor Jeff Cardwell |
According to the 2010 baseline numbers, incumbent Republican councilors represent 8 of 13 council districts with less than 60% Republican majorities and thus would be considered competitive. Three of those council districts held by Republican Councilors (McHenry, Scales and McQuillen) actually have Democratic majorities. Then you have the four county at-large races where the Democrats have a base vote between 55% and 60%. Republicans won 3 of those races in 2007 and desperately need a similar performance in order to keep control of the council.
Given the extraordinary need for resources in those highly competitive races, it is not clear why the State Republican Party would contribute $12,375 as an in-kind contribution to District 23 Republican Jeff Cardwell for printing and postage costs involved in a mailing for his race against Democrat Scott Coxey. District 23 is not one of 12 competitive districts noted above (counting the at-large positions). It is a district in 2010 which was just under 67% Republican, i.e. a 2-1 edge for Republicans. It is one of the most safe Republican seats on the Council. With all due respect to Coxey, Cardwell does not have to spend a dime to win that district. The State GOP should spend its money on council races where the Republicans are desperately trying to hold onto their seats.