Treasurer race raises tough question

The state treasurer campaign is usually a sleepy affair. Longtime incumbent Ed Alter is retiring, and the GOP nomination race is heating up between state legislator Mark Walker (who received almost 60 percent of the delegate vote at the state convention) and current Deputy Treasurer Richard Ellis. Accusations of resume padding, mudslinging and job offers are surfacing. The intraparty battle is raising political and public policy questions:

Notwithstanding the accusations, what is happening with this controversial primary election?

Pignanelli: The race is a bizarre microcosm of the recent contest for the Democratic presidential nomination. Ellis (the Hillary Clinton of this analogy) is a seasoned veteran of state government who, many assumed, was the natural heir to Alter. But along comes the charismatic legislator Walker, whose resume may be shorter but has a wonderful personality and captures the imagination of his party (just like Barack Obama). Indeed, Walker has garnered endorsements from many state officials, including Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and legislative leadership. As with national Democrat leaders, local Republicans are weary of a dynasty in the treasurer's office and believe Walker will provide fresh air.

Alter was elected during the Carter administration, the issue burdening Ellis despite his qualifications. Thus "Friends of Alter" (much like "Friends of Bill") are stirring it up against Walker. (My analogy lacks a Jeremiah Wright but remains fun to watch.)

Webb: Both are good men, good candidates, and either one would make a fine state treasurer.

Is there a clear front-runner, and who is likely to win?

Pignanelli: Walker performed well at the convention and has exceeded Ellis in raising money. But the treasurer's race itself will not drive voters to the polls for the primary election. Other primary elections are scattered legislative races and the 3rd Congressional District. Thus, the treasurer candidates have a multifaceted challenge. They need to appeal to the various political flavors voting in the congressional contest while attracting attention in the rest of the state. You can expect more antics in the newspapers as the candidates strive to receive free media. Ellis may have the deep background, but Walker has the attractive young Republican family and sunny disposition. His momentum is likely to remain through the primary to then face Democrat Dick Clark (a retired banker).