If at first you don't succeed........

 13 is supposed to be a lucky number, if you believe in superstitions.

Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello may think 12 is hers.

Earlier today, Mantello announced she would try again to run for Mayor, as Patrick Madden is being term-limited out after 2 terms. A quick check of Mantello's history, however, shows that the third time might not be the charm after all.

Photo courtesy Albany Times-Union.

Mantello made her first bid in 1999, attempting to unseat then-Mayor Mark Pattison. 12 years later, with Henry Tutunjian having been term-limited out, Mantello challenged Democrat Lou Rosamilia, who essentially ended up swapping places with Tutunjian, who was elected to the Rensselaer County Legislature seat Rosamilia gave up to run for Mayor. An 11th hour attack ad meant to smear Rosamilia backfired, and Mantello was soundly defeated at the polls.

So what makes the City Council President think she can win this time? She wants to unify the city, at a time when Republicans across the country are gradually veering away from the Looney Bin division (and if you don't know what that means, you haven't been paying attention), and looking to restore traditional bi-partisan policies.

On the opposite side of the aisle, Councilwoman Nina Nichols, an ordained pastor, is the lone Democrat who has tossed her hat in the ring so far. The deadline for entries, apparently, is in two weeks, so we may not see any primaries if no one else steps up to the plate. Chris Nolin, an aide to Mayor Madden, has decided not to run.

We must remember, too, that the county GOP screwed themselves over last time by betraying Tom Reale in favor of independent Rodney Wiltshire, effectively handing Madden his 2nd & final term. Such incompetence is the only thing the local GOP has in common with its national brethren. They just have to hope it doesn't cost them again.