Dallas Mayor’s Race Between Eric Johnson, Scott Griggs Could Be Defined by Their Alliances

Eric Johnson and Scott Griggs, the finalists for Dallas mayor, have a lot in common.They're roughly the same age, are geeks when it comes to public policy and have neighborhood-based approaches on critical issues, including development.But there is a major difference between Griggs and Johnson that will ultimately define the course of the runoff election on June 8.Johnson, 43, is backed by the city's business elite, much like former mayors Ron Kirk and Tom Leppert, and outgoing Mayor Mike Rawlings.In contrast, Griggs is viewed as anti-establishment. He's allied with controversial figures like City Council member Philip Kingston, who is fighting for his District 14 seat in a runoff against David Blewett.For the runoff, Griggs and Johnson will have to avoid being upended by the worst possible portrayals from their opponents. Those portrayals will be greatly exaggerated in the political arena.  Continue reading...