The Shuffle Begins

With Internal Affairs' weekend revelation that Mike Honda seeks a cabinet position, the possibility that Madison Nguyen could be recalled and the opening of the Vice Mayor spot, the post Election Day-jockeying is in full swing. With plenty of rumors circulating, let's look at how likely they are.

The Vice Mayor position is the only one that we know will be opening up, once Dave Cortese leaves for the Board of Supervisors. When Reed picked Cortese, it was considered an attempt to dull the progressive voices on the Council by removing one of their established leaders. That tactic didn't work well. Now, the rumor mill is buzzing with three names: Chirco, Liccardo and Constant. Constant is unlikely - he's too new and has burned Reed on some important issues. Liccardo is also unlikely. He's also pretty green and is viewed by some as a threat to Reed's re-election prospects.

Which is why fingers are pointing at Chirco. She's far sharper than she's given credit for, and would likely respond well to being given a position of prominence by Reed. And, since we can rule out Kalra and Herrera (brand new), Campos (obviously), Chu (new and not close to Reed), Nguyen (too risky), the only other options are Pyle and Oliverio. Who would you pick?

Speaking of Nguyen, if she is recalled, there are, according to the City Charter, two options. A replacement can be appointed or there can be an election to fill her position. There is a rumor that Reed would appoint Buu Thai to fill Nguyen's position. That won't happen.

If Reed has learned nothing else from the Little Saigon embarrassment, it's that if people want to be heard, let them be heard. Not having a replacement election would ensure outrage by the same activists who caused the seat to be vacated. And to appoint a Vietnamese woman who opposed the recall? Pure idiocy.

So, if there's a successful recall (a pretty big if), you can feel confident that there will be an election afterward.

As for Honda, everyone who is currently in office or recently out of office, or whose name is recognized by more that 15 people in the area is thinking about running for an open Congressional seat like that. So let's let this one slide until the President-Elect determines we need to worry about it.