Funny but true: Aaron Michlewitz didn't actually get elected state rep from the North End and the South End last month. He only won the Democratic primary, even though the local press seems to think he's already serving, at least based on the amount of coverage they're not giving the race.

Today's the special Democratic primary to see who runs in the special election to replace Sal DiMasi in the 3rd Suffolk district.

Susan Passoni, Aaron Michlewitz, Brian Ross and Lucy Rivera face off on the Democratic side. Whoever wins will face independent John Keith and Republican David Trumbull on June 16.

Free from any primary responsibilities, and noting the battle between the North End's Michlewitz and the South End's Passoni, Keith recounts another North End/South End battle, back in the 1700s, when Protestant groups in the two neighborhoods would hold annual Pope's Day riots to see who could most show their hatred for Catholics. Fortunately, the social climate in Boston seems to have improved a bit since then.

Josh Dawson is a member of the Ward 5 Democratic Committee (Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Bay Village). And he's a bit perturbed over the way 3rd Suffolk state-rep hopeful Aaron Michlewitz may have gotten questions from a Ward 5/Ward 4 debate in advance:

... It's disappointing that our Committee's reputation could be tarnished for a short time because of this mess. As a member of the Executive Committee, I will push to have a meeting as soon as possible to discuss this situation and fix any problems with the forum/endorsement process, so we can get back to doing the things that make our Committee great ...

He also says that despite what ward Chairman Rob Whitney seemed to tell the Phoenix, neither he nor at least three other members got the questions in advance.

The South End News reports on some e-mail between state Rep. Marty Walz and 3rd Suffolk candidate Aaron Michlewitz before an April 21 debate. Michlewitz told the paper he wouldn't say whether he received questions in advance but that the real issue is somebody is violating his and Walz's privacy.

Bay Windows reports some 3rd Suffolk gays are crushing on Aaron Michlewitz as he runs to replace his former boss, Sal DiMasi:

... But despite the long list attributes that Goldman admires in the candidate, he couldn't resist returning to Michlewitz's pretty face when he introduced him to the crowd about 40, which included gay and straight supporters, later in the evening. ...

Meanwhile, independent 3rd Suffolk candidate John Keith has some fans among the architectural set. This ArchBoston post imagines a Boston under a Mayor John Keith (you listening, Mr. Menino?):

... A bright newcomer named John A. Keith came out of nowhere to defeat Menino. Keith fired the entire BRA, then personally selected a small brain-trust of like-minded free-thinkers --free, that is, from the stifling effects of unexamined book knowledge and academic norms. When they talked, these folks sounded much like some members of ArchBoston.

They went to work to fix Downtown. ...

Susan Passoni has a new campaign manager, the South End News reports.

The third in a series of shows with candidates to replace Sal DiMasi is today (Tuesday, 3/24) at 2:30 p.m. The presumptive leader in the 3rd Suffolk House race is on the Left Ahead! podcast. As former Speaker DiMasi’s fixer, the constituent services guy, Aaron Michlewitz is already well known and respected in the district. Listen in for his strategy to build on that.

Mass Alliance, which represents a passel of unions (including the Boston Teachers Union) and progressive groups, has endorsed Susan Passoni for the 3rd Suffolk state rep's seat:

"Susan Passoni is smart, accomplished, and clearly committed to her community," explained Georgia Hollister Isman, Director of the Mass Alliance. "We know she will be a strong voice for progressive values in the State House. Progressive voters have a clear choice in this race and we hope that they will come together to support Susan’s campaign."

John Keith, a South End real-estate broker, blogger and columnist, today pulled papers to run in the June 16 election to replace state Rep. Sal DiMasi.

Campaign Web site.

Keith's statement follows:

The South End News reports a newcomer has jumped into the 3rd Suffolk race. Ryan Higginson is in HR at Suffolk and has been involved in the city's Young Bostonian Advisory Council.