This is a huge surprise!

Incumbent Indianapolis mayor Bart Peterson lost his re-election bid. Challenger Greg Ballard, in his first run for political office, narrowly won election, 51-47. The only television ads I saw were for Peterson, and they were highly critical of his opponent. I figured he was doomed. But I was wrong.

Now, it's not quite the shock as the twin victories of Rudy Giuliani and Richard Riordan in 1993, hinting at the big Republican gains in 1994, but it's an encouraging sign.

Meanwhile, in my city, the elections were held in May. The same person ran as a Democrat for each office: "No Candidate Filed."