Allies expect Marconi to provide direction. Except for the DEM party.
The base has many names for the race in Goiânia, but none that excite. The governor reportedly stated that he has a candidate to surprise, but nobody even imagines who it is. In the vacuum of this uncertainty, the DEM decided not to wait. On Twitter, Ronaldo Caiado announced Rafael Rahif as their candidate in Goiânia. He emphasizes that he is an ally, but not led by Marconi.
Goiás 247 - Federal deputy Ronaldo Caiado, president of the DEM party in Goiás, confirmed that he is an ally of the state government but not so allied as to wait for Governor Marconi Perillo to define the name of the candidate for mayor of Goiânia. On Monday morning, the 25th, via Twitter, he announced lawyer Rafael Rahif as the DEM's candidate in the race for the capital.
"Democrats have chosen their candidate for mayor of Goiânia: lawyer Rafael Rahif. Fresh blood and renewal in politics!", celebrated Caiado. "Democrats chose Rafael Rahif to run for mayor of Goiânia based on what we stand for: the inclusion of society in politics," he added. "Rafael is here to help revitalize the political environment in Goiânia and Goiás."
According to the congressman, Rafael Rahif is 52 years old, has never run for office, and practices civil and commercial law. "He will elevate the debate and the options in Goiânia."
Caiado's announcement caused surprise. Besides confirming his independence from the governor, it reinforces the idea that he is seeking to pave the way to run for governor or senator in 2014. As reported by 247 almost immediately after Caiado's announcement, the other parties in the Marconi coalition are awaiting the Tucano's decision.
But the situation for DEM is not comfortable. There is still no news of a political alliance with other parties, an alliance that would guarantee political strength and airtime in the free election broadcasts.
On its own, the party tends only to stake its claim in the campaign. With limited TV and radio time, presenting a new name will not be an easy task. The advantage of novelty, in this case, may be hampered by a lack of familiarity.
Below is the full text of the previous 247 report on expectations regarding the governor's decision:
Goiás 247 – Governor Marconi Perillo (PSDB) took a break from political activities in Goiás, traveled, and now, upon his return, faces the difficult challenge of finding a candidate for mayor of Goiânia. Not only this candidate, but the choice of candidate in the capital is strategic for regaining strength, especially since it is in the capital that he has recorded the worst approval ratings for his administration.
Several contenders, none strong enough to excite the allies. This is the reality within the government's base in Goiânia. Marconi even told some people that he has a name up his sleeve, a name to surprise everyone. A new name, he assures. Which one? Nobody has any idea.
One question to be resolved: is the best strategy to have two candidates or just one within the government's base? This is a question with many opinions and no consensus. This shows that within the base, Marconi's decision, which in other times could have been interpreted as top-down interference, is now awaited with anxiety.
Since no one knows what to do, it is expected that he will show the way. The government's base is adrift, waiting for its leader.
The situation of the applicants:
PTB
Jovair Arantes hopes for support that is considered unlikely. In recent months, the two have been at odds, and the relationship has not improved. Without Marconi's support and the expected alliance with the PSB, Jovair will be alone.
PSD
State Representative Francisco Júnior and Federal Representative Armando Vergílio want to be candidates. But they depend on a decision from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to know whether or not their party will have airtime on TV and radio during the election period. Without that, it is unlikely they will be viable candidates to lead the ticket.
PSDB
Federal deputy Leonardo Vilela has abandoned a candidacy that, in reality, never existed except in the wishes of his allies. Another federal deputy, João Campos, has emerged as the current contender and has been working hard. He reportedly even worked to seal an alliance between Ademir Menezes (PSD) and his PSDB party, with Véter Martins as his running mate, in Aparecida de Goiânia, as a way to pave the way for his own candidacy.
State Representative Fábio Souza is scrambling to make himself a viable candidate. Previously overlooked, he would now be a strong contender. However, it seems he's no longer enthusiastic. He would need to be convinced.
José Paulo Loureiro has also been mentioned as a candidate. But there's no real indication of a political alliance. And Nion Albernaz? He's been mentioned, but only as a tribute. His health would hardly allow him to enter the race.
PP
Federal deputy Sandes Júnior is running for office, but no one sees any possibility of his candidacy succeeding. He doesn't even have support within his own party. The party president, federal deputy Roberto Balestra, avoids any mention of Sandes Júnior as a candidate.
Other parties are linked to the government: PPS and PMN. Are they in a position to field a candidate? It's difficult. They will be supporting players.
DEM
The party has already defined its official pre-candidate: state deputy Nilo Rezende. However, his name was initially put forward more as a figurehead. The one who is really seeking to become a viable candidate is prosecutor Anderson Máximo. Máximo has been in talks with leaders of other parties and has the backing of federal deputy Ronaldo Caiado, the party president.
Vice-Governor José Eliton, mentioned as a likely candidate, would only enter the race in a comfortable position: as a consensus candidate within the Marconist base.