Aside from a well-placed zinger or two from mayoral candidate Naheed Nenshi and head-scratching comments from Alnoor Kassam ("Does anyone know why we need business licenses? I don't."), the August 12 mayoral forum was light on substance and logic and heavy on platitudes and yawns.

Yet away from the spotlight were some noteworthy developments, including Wayne Stewart who was a no-show because his mother is quite ill, the hiring of a prominent Liberal strategist to Barb Higgins's camp and rumblings that several candidates may soon be ready to call it a day and throw their support behind more viable contenders.

The campaign "death watch," noted one political observer, has begun.

The reason for candidates pulling out, of course, is money — or lack of to be more specific. A packed field of candidates vying for a shallow pool of campaign donations coupled with media reports and questionable poll results trumpeting a two-horse race isn't helping lesser-known candidates gain headlines or funds.

In fact, one alderman's mayoral campaign is rumoured to be in such dire financial shape that its likely he'll drop out and try to retain his aldermanic seat this fall — perfectly legal, but... 

Also noteworthy was the appearance of former Liberal strategist Donn Lovett spotted handing out pamphlets for Barb Higgins, not as a favour, but as her campaign manager. "She was told to get Donn Lovett," said Lovett, never one to shy away from self-promotion. 

According to Lovett, Higgins's camp called him while he was working overseas. A quick plane ride across the pond and some face time with Higgins on Monday last week convinced him she is the anointed one. (The money likely helped too.)

Lovett has helmed several campaigns for Liberal candidates, including Avalon Roberts's failed bid for the Calgary-Glenmore seat last September, which ultimately went to Wildrose Alliance MLA Paul Hinman. Lovett subsequently tore up his Liberal-party card in frustration over the party's leadership and direction and has been a vocal critic of the party ever since.

His immediate order for Higgins's camp: Get your platform out. When Higgins first announced her candidacy, she said her platform would be out sometime before Labour Day — far too long, says Lovett. While her seven-point framework was light on specifics, more detailed polices will be forthcoming, he assured.

Lovett's enlistment adds a new angle to Higgins's campaign. Rumours are rampant that Rod Love, a longtime advisor to former Calgary mayor and Alberta premier Ralph Klein, as well as Stockwell Day during his failed attempt to rule Canada as PM, is working behind the scenes for Higgins.

If true, we now have two heavyweight strategists from opposite sides of the political spectrum working for a united cause — Mayor Barb Higgins. Hold onto your seats for the spin cycle to happen.