Chatting with folks here downtown, one consistent question is: where do they go? The "they" of course are Republican Council members Maienschein and Madaffer and Democrat Council members Peters and Atkins. One thought, and a fairly common one, is that as part of  "The Great Labor Union-Murphy Fiscal Disaster" they'll pack up and go home. But that would make this blog too short... so let's toss out some thoughts...

According to rumor, Maienschein is one of the few council members with good numbers in his district. There have been various rumors about Maienschein's future, including: (1) a run for Congress if and when Congressman Hunter actually fails to file. Problem is it looks like Duncan Hunter Jr. has moved into the district; (2) a run for the 75th Assembly District, being vacated by Assemblyman George Plescia due to term limits. Problem is the GOP stalwarts, with whom Maienschein has always flirted but never sold his soul to, have picked their man in Nathan Fletcher and taking these gentlemen on in their home turf - these days - is not pleasant even for a fellow Republican; (3)a run for City Attorney against Aguirre. Problem is Aguirre would be a buzz saw for any of the 'Murphy' council. My guess: I think Maienschein was a lawyer so he probably goes back to private practice. Or does he live in Pam Slater's Supervisorial District?

Atkins is actually more interesting...  she raised the flag a couple years ago to run against Republican Supervisor Ron Roberts, but lowered it again at the last minute. Why? I have no idea. But one of my friends in Democrat circles says that it's no secret that Assemblywoman Lori Saldana hates her job and is seriously considering a run against either Republican Supervisor Greg Cox in 2008 or Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer in 2010. Three years is a long way to wait in a job you don't like, so if Saldana jumps the rumor is Atkins runs for the 76th Assembly District against Lorena Gonzalez - who now works for the Labor Council. Tasty.

Least likely to have a future in politics? My vote: Peters. Why? Let me count the ways... Peters is a Democrat elected in a Republican district at the height of public employee union power, with public employee money, and barely survived re-election against a newcomer who had no real support. He has managed to alienate environmentalists, a natural Democrat ally. He irritated the business community who sort of thought he could be trusted with his vote against Walmart. So what - he runs for the largely Republican 75th Assembly? The Pam Slater Supervisorial seat? City Attorney? Put a stake in him.

Madaffer has a mixed district and is therefore slightly better off than Peters. But not much. Most of his district is in the Shirley Horton Assembly seat, but I find it pretty hard to believe that the Republican 'leadership' here in San Diego are going to risk a multi-million dollar seat with a candidate mixed up in the city fiscal crisis. City Attorney is pretty much out, for obvious reasons. So what is left? I guess the ever-present Slater seat if he lives there... but my guess is retirement.