Brown, as speaker, was the second most powerful politician in the state for many years, but was forced out of the legislature by a 1992 term limits initiative.
Observers feel the initiative, which was supported by many conservatives, was an attempt to rid the legislature of Brown himself.
Achtenberg, one of the nation's highest ranking lesbian politicians, is no less controversial: Her appointment by President Clinton to serve as undersecretary of HUD was approved only after Democrats stopped a filibuster by U.S. Sen. Jesse C. Helms (R-N.C.).
Jordan has also surprised voters by recently accepting a dare to pose naked during a morning talk radio interview.
"It shows an elected official that is squeaky clean, with nothing to hide," Jordan told reporters.
In response, Brown charged that the decision indicated that Jordan "does not have the capacity to be mayor.