Thx #Tucson voters asking me run 4 re-election as champ for real people, education, jobs & economy; 2012 unlikely, 2014 maybe

— Daniel R. Patterson (@DanPattersonUSA) May 15, 2012

First of all, if I've learned anything from this job, it's that most people generally don't care about the Legislature. Sure, there are flare-up moments when people get mad about one stupid bill or another, but in general, people just want to be able to pay their mortgage, afford food, whatever. Probably if people cared more about who represents them in Tucson, we'd probably have fewer weirdos and insane people in office, but as it stands, the subject isn't a high priority for a lot of citizens.

Second, no one thought Daniel Patterson was just killing it as a legislator. We covered his drama and eventual resignation rather extensively and I don't remember anyone really sticking up for the guy. Also, in general, I talk to a ton of local Democrats and by and large, people don't like him. Not just as a legislator, but as a person. During his ethics hearing, his colleagues seemed awfully happy to run the guy out of the building. If you can name three great things Patterson did in that gig, you'd be three ahead of what I know of.

So, sorry, Daniel Patterson. I just don't believe your former constituents are begging you to run again.