Now we begin to test the power of political memory. Keiffer Mitchell Jr. runs for mayor of Baltimore, and Michael Sarbanes for Baltimore City Council president, and each carries his family name as a symbol of pedigree and a sign of instant familiarity for voters in an election season that so far carries all the thrills of watching paint dry.

In January it was Councilman Mitchell declaring he would challenge incumbent Mayor Sheila Dixon, and Wednesday it was Sarbanes declaring he?ll run for the council presidency now held by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who carries her own family history.