The results from the Republican Mayoral primary for Evansville are in and David Nixon (not Nix. Sorry Courier & Press) has defeated USI Student Aaron M. Ridlen by a fairly wide margin. Nixon will go on to face Mayor Weinzapfel in the fall. Nixon operates a non-profit business called “Young Gentlemen and Women” that advises businesses on how to get not-for-profit status and apply for grants.

In other primary news, turnout was incredibly low as predicted. Some precincts had as few as 20-40 people show up to vote. Talk about a long day.

Looking forward, here’s a question for readers. How much should I cover the November elections? Are you interested in hearing from the candidates on It’s Evansville? Let me know in the comments.

Even though voter turnout is expected to be low, we wanted to make sure you were aware of where the polling places are. The polls will be open from 6:00AM. to 6:00PM. on Tuesday. Voters need to bring a valid, government issued ID to the polls.

You can get a listing of polling places from the Courier & Press Web site.

Even if you aren’t planning to vote, if you have any business you need to take care of at the Civic Center, don’t bother trying tomorrow as it will be closed for the primary.

Sure MSNBC and Fox News spend most of the day talking about Hillary, Obama and Giuliani, but 2008’s other candidates are ramping up for their reelection campaign. Remember back in Government class when you learned about the legislative branch? Senators server 6 year terms, but House members are up every two years. Brad Ellsworth, our congressman is already starting to prepare his campaign for reelection.

This week congressional candidates must report their first quarter campaign finance reports. Even though Ellsworth was just elected last November for his seat, the campaign war chest never closes. In 2006 Ellsworth spent over $1.5 million to gain his seat. He’ll need just as much money, if not more, to keep his seat. While there isn’t a republican candidate to challenge Ellsworth at this point, it’s highly doubtful his seat will go uncontended considering the Republicans want you to get to know The Real Brad Ellsworth. Even though he’s only been in office four months, that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t done something to irritate republicans who want his seat. The site goal is to outline Ellsworth’s voting record against his campaign promises. I won’t comment much on the validity of the site to keep my own personal politics out. Of interest is the site’s increasing usage of social media like blogging and YouTube.

In other local political news, Aaron Ridlen, a 24-year-old USI student is running for Mayor of Evansville. Before he can target Weinzapfel, though, he has to win his primary on May 8.

photo courtesy of Putnam Democrats