Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy wrote the city attorney today asking that Mitch Daniels campaign signs be removed because they violate a size ordinance.

The large signs are visible on Meridian Street and in the Meridian Kessler neighborhood.  Strict enforcement of the sign law, however, will also force the removal of some Obama signs of similar size.

Ed Treacy used the term “Accidental Mayor” in reference to Mayor Greg Ballard 9 times in the speech he gave upon his return as Marion County Democratic Chairman.  Now there is some sputtering on the Internet about the origin of the phrase “Accidental Mayor” and its accuracy. 

Pride forces me to claim credit.

On Election night 2007 I made the case that Ballard won a primary without support from the party organization and then ran a campaign with party support that consisted mostly of a desk and a phone.   Meantime, Democrat Bart Peterson raised income taxes in the face of a property tax crisis and the protest vote fell to Ballard. 

“In some ways he is the Accidental Mayor,” I said.

Whether the events constitute an accident, you can decide.  But the line is mine.

It was later picked up by a Democrat who ran a website by that title for a time.  I’m OK with that.  Just give credit (or blame) where it is due.

The deal is done.   Mike O’Connor will make a formal announcement later today that he is through as Marion County Democratic Chairman.

Ed Treacy will return to the post and Terry Thurman (a previously aspiring county chair) will support him.  A caucus to re-elect Treacy can take place as early as July 28th and Treacy and Thurman intend to make a show of unity the following weekend at the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association meeting in French Lick.