So the primary filings are in and done and the Democratic primary for Mayor in Wilmington is officially set.
Rep. Dennis P. Williams, State Representative 
He’s been set for this race for awhile. Between finishing off this legislative season and figuring out how to pay his taxes, much of his campaigning has been done by volunteers. He participated in most of the debates, notably sitting out the Party sponsored one.
Kevin Kelley, City Councilman
Kelley has been campaigning like crazy — going to community meetings, knocking on doors, holding events. He’s notably been visible in discussing the recent spate of crime in the city and in discussing solutions. In other words, Kelley is doing what people are asking the Mayor to do — demonstrate some leadership.
Bill Montgomery, Mayor Baker’s ex-Chief of Staff
He is still in, but seems to be struggling for support from people who can actually vote for him. It looks like he may have lots of support from downtown types who go home to the county every evening. Oddly, it looks like he is getting decent support in the 8th too — even though he was at the spear point of a number of development projects the 8th hated.
Scott Spencer
This is a genuine surprise — he actually filed and is in. It is really hard to see how he makes a dent though.
Robert Bovell, Bailbondsman and Perpetual Candidate
He’s definitely in and still claiming that he is a city resident. His big idea is to make the city a landlord to raise funds.
Rev. Derrick Johnson, pastor of Joshua Harvest Church
Definitely out as reported here earlier. Spent some time evaluating a candidate to support and seems to be supporting Kelley.
Steve Martelli, City Councilman
Martelli has resigned the council and is working for the State Department.
Hanifa Shabazz, City Councilwoman
Definitely out but now has a primary in the 4th from Dwight Davis.
Norman Griffiths, City Council President
He is out of it all — not running for Mayor, not running again for President of the City Council. Which leaves Theo Gregory running for President of City Council unopposed.
Senator Bob Marshall, State Senator
After telling everyone he was really, really in, it turns out he isn’t. So he has refiled to run for the Senate.
Kevin Melloy, Realtor
Not quite sure what this is about. But then, the GOP hasn’t done much to support its candidates in the City previously, and I don’t imagine they’ll start now. Melloy is popular largely in districts west of I-95, how that translates into fundraising and votes is tough to see.
I see this race as being between Williams and Kelley at this point. Some of the flurry of At Large filings is meant to try to boost turnout in the 1st and 2nd City Council Districts where the large pool of reliable D voters is. Now that the field is narrowed, I would hope that we’ll start talking about policy, but I suspect this is just going to get ugly. But watch where the ugly originates. The other thing to watch for are the promises being made to various groups in return for support. Keep in mind that the City is already facing a deficit for next year — city residents should pay attention to promises of programs, staff, higher wages and ask detailed questions about where the money comes from.