By: Gil Smart, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Troy McDonald didn't drop out of the county commissioners' race because he thought he might lose.
Actually, he thought he would win.
After eight years on the Stuart City Commission, McDonald had name recognition and the backing of business interests. He also was beginning to draw support — and campaign dollars — from big environmental players.
That, he said, could have given him a leg up in the August primary.
The city had hit a rough patch. Commissioners were trying to shove manager Dave Ross out the door just seven months after hiring him. Numerous longtime city staffers had bailed out. Commissioner Tom Campenni had stepped down after yet another controversial remark.
McDonald began fielding calls from people asking him to ditch the county bid and seek another term on the City Commission.
Stuart, they said, needs a steady hand on the wheel.
So McDonald opted to seek a fourth term.
And that sets up a pretty interesting dynamic in the Aug. 28 election…