American elections are called bloodless coups because they are among the most peaceful ways in which political power changes hands between people.

No beheading, no lynching and no rampages, at least if you discount the political ads.

This year’s local election would then have to be seen as something of a quiet coup; even though two of the biggest jobs are up for grabs, the excitement has not been breathtaking.

Normally it’s seen as something of a victory if Republicans even field a candidate in the democratic-vote laden City of Erie Mayor’s race.

But this year’s challenger to Mayor Joe Sinnott is no stranger to the process; retired cop Jack Anderson is making his fifth run at the post.

While many think of Anderson’s attempts at office as the proverbial tilting at windmills, I prefer to believe that it’s important for people in retirement to stay active and have a hobby.

Clearly, running for Mayor is Mr. Anderson’s respite for the past twenty years.

When incumbent Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio lost his own party’s primary in the spring, the possibility arose of an exciting race between two political newcomers.

It hasn’t really played out that way.

Barry Grossman, the democrat who knocked DiVecchio out, has proven to be the more visible and better funded candidate.

Republican newcomer Mike Kerner, a businessman looking to bring a fiscally conservative approach to the office, is finding a steeper hill in generating name recognition and funding.

That doesn’t mean that he can’t do well, especially in a race where shoe leather still counts, but the smart money isn’t betting on it this time around.

That leaves, of all the rest, the battle for Millcreek Supervisor between incumbent Larry Curtis and challenger Rich Figaski.

Here there have been some sparks; most notably over a planned forum that Curtis contends was to be put together by County Controller Sue Weber, a former political foe and supporter of Figaski’s, a 30-year Millcreek police veteran.

It went so far that a poor television technician was hauled in front of everyone and asked just who requested television coverage of the face off.

In the end Curtis sat it out, giving Figaski a chance to contend to the television cameras that his opponent was running scared.

And so, Tuesday will come and Tuesday will go, a quiet coup that will inevitably alter the local political landscape.

Maybe it will change a lot.

But don’t bank on it.