If, as expected, Sup. Chris Norby prevails in today's AD72 special election, the race for his seat will really begin in earnest.

Although it will take place on the June ballot, it will be a special election, and under the rules of the county charter, the first place finisher will then be sworn in as supervisor for the remainder of Norby's term -- and have the invaluable advantage of heading into the November 2010 run-off as the incumbent supervisor.

The expectation is that Norby will announce his support for Fullerton Councilman Shawn Nelson at his election party tonight. That would certainly be a boost for Nelson, and would end the long-running speculation about whether Norby would stay neutral, endorse Nelson, endorse OC Clerk-Recorder Tom Daly (who was an important backer of Norby during his 2002 run for Supe) or endorse them both.

Stay tuned...