Here’s Johnny.  He’s Back! Like a Jack Nicholson scene from the Shining, Crazy Jon Ludwigson is back in the race for the Ward 4 seat being vacated by the term-limited David Wiechman.  The son of former Council member Carol Kesselman has long been the favorite of the establishment.  However, always a bridesmaid, Ludwigson has been passed over a couple previous elections.  This time things seemed to be coming together for him when he suddenly self-destructed at a Ward 4 town hall meeting when he argued Morrison might build an ethanol plant if Lakewood didn’t annex the southern part of Rooney Valley.  This gaffle was so bad even Mayor Paul had to correct the misstatement at a public City Council meeting.

            When local realtor Ladawn Sperling jumped into the race it appeared Ludwigson had been sidelined and a backup replacement sent in to try to salvage this race for the establishment.  Ludwigson’s reappearance gives rise to speculation that Sperling may fallen flat on her face with no discernible support generated during her first month on the campaign trail.  What is not clear is whether she is being replaced voluntarily or whether she is going to fight her dismissal.

              Furthermore it’s not clear why the establishment now thinks Ludwigson can run a credible campaign after that initial misstep.  This race is clearly going to be one of the more interesting contests this November.