Say what you want about Nick Mackey, but the man is surely full of surprises. His decision to run against former Jim Black sidekick Drew Saunders in state House District 99 is a stroke of genius. Mackey will win that primary — barring some greater shock in his background. Uptown money is not gonna flood out to save Saunders.
If so, Republican Dempsey Miller will have a shot to win in November. Crazy.
Also slightly shocking that Parks Helms followed through on his stated intentions not to run for county commission. The resulting at-large field is more jumbled as a result. Jennifer Roberts will face a tough challenge in former Charlotte city councilman — and Mackey attorney — Harold Cogdell, Jr. along with Charlotte surgeon Dan Murrey.
Another fun tilt will be found in District 100, where Tricia Cotham will have beat back a serious effort from former county commissioner Lloyd Scher.
