It's never too early in politics.
Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle is still very much the city's chief executive, and efforts to boot him out of office still face several hurdles, not the least of which is Suttle's ability to make his case. But if — and it's a big if — the petition signatures are valid and Suttle is recalled, there is no shortage of Omahans who might mull a run for mayor.
Several factors would come into play.
First and most important, the election would be condensed.
Candidates would be required to raise cash fast and set up a citywide campaign within months rather than a year or two.
The likeliest date at this point for a mayoral election, if Suttle is recalled, would be May 24.
The swift pace favors candidates who already have name recognition and political experience, and those who have either the personal wealth to pay their own way or a large Rolodex filled with friendly supporters to tap.
It also could be a free-for-all, so election-weary Omahans could be in for some intense political wrangling.
More than a half-dozen names have been dropped into the mix by the chattering classes. If that many jump into the race, choosing a mayor could require yet another election.
Under state law, one of the candidates in the special election must garner more than 50 percent of the vote to win. If no one hits the magic number, the top two contenders advance to a runoff, which would extend the campaign into late June.
Some people whose names have been bandied about as possible contenders made clear they were not considering a run. Among them: City Councilwoman Jean Stothert, a Republican; State Sen. Brad Ashford, a Republican; City Council President Garry Gernandt, a Democrat; and State Sen. Brenda Council, a Democrat.
Others said it was far too early to discuss a potential campaign.
In political circles, these are the names getting the biggest talking-point hits:
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