A State Democratic Committee poll for the mayor's race?

Indiana's NewsCenter Corinne Rose stated on today's noon news that there are some rumors that the Indiana Democratic State Central Committe is contemplating paying for a poll to be conducted in the Fort Wayne mayor's race.

Ostensibly, the poll would examine name recognition and favorable/unfavorable opinions for several potential Democratic candidates to take on the Republican nominee. (Both F. Nelson Peters and Matt Kelty filed declarations of candidacy today).  The only specific name Ms. Rose mentioned in her report was that of former 3rd District Councilman Tom Henry.  Mr. Henry was defeated in a close race four years ago by incumbent Tom Didier.

The unspoken speculation is that such a poll would be used as a selling tool by the Democratic Party to convince one of the persons whose name is tested to step up and run.  Generally, the process works the other way around. It is normally the prospective candidate who is seeking to convince the party leadership of the candidate's electability. 

This is not a normal year for local Democrats, however, as they grapple with examining the voting history of the new voters brought in by annexation and the decision by incumbent Graham Richard not to seek re-election.

There is an old salesman's rule that says you should ignore an answer of "No" until the prospect has said it 6 times. Maybe the poll is preceding the sixth time Mr. Henry has been asked the same question.