At a gathering of about 80 persons at Prairie Moon restaurant on March 15, attorney and activist Jeff Smith announced his candidacy.
Although Mr. Smith did not specify the office he plans to seek, it appeared to be an open secret at the event that he plans to run for state representative. He said, “It appears more likely than not that [State Representative] Julie Hamos is going to run for statewide office” rather than seek a seventh term in the State legislature. A few weeks ago Rep. Hamos held a similar kick-off for an unnamed statewide office, widely acknowledged to be attorney general.
According to Mr. Smith’s literature, he was active in Democratic politics about 20 years ago, “cutting his political teeth as a volunteer for Ab Mikva and the Carter-Mondale ticket.” He served as Democratic State Central Committeeman for the Ninth Congressional District in the late 1980s.
Locally, he is one of the founders of the Central Street Neighbors Association and has weighed in, both personally and on behalf CSNA on development issues. His website is www.electjeffsmith.org.