Mayor Morris may be throwing the hail mary

Well, it looks more likely now than ever that Morris will move aggressively to dislodge his two biggest opponents, Penman and McCammack. Sources tell the Sun that Morris' endorsement of Milligan is imminent, probably at Ray's Diner on E Street this Thursday. But Penman isn't a vote on the council, where Morris has been rebuffed on occasion this year. For that, it is probably more likely for Morris to throw name, financial and other support behind whichever candidate he thinks most able to win.
In short, it looks like James Mulvihill, the Cal State San Bernardino professor who will challenge McCammack in the 7th ward. Mulvihill has penned an op-ed piece for the Sun and has the intellectual bona fides to be a contender. He is clearly what Morris would like to see on the council, a relatively progressive thinker who would have little in common with 4th ward Councilman Neil Derry's strong conservative bloc.
Morris would probably like Kelley gone too, but he may have doubts about the likelihood that any of the 5th ward incumbent's challengers could defeat Kelley, whom residents mostly see as hard-working and tough on crime.