I wouldn't be surprised if the Nominating Committee just didn't give Patti a nomination. It's not like they are going to have to exactly go out of their way to snub her. There are going to more than enough actresses actually giving FRESH performances this season to take Patti's precious nomination slot away from her.
The Nominating Committee is only 25 people. It just takes a handful to select five fresh performances (many creating new roles) over Patti's rehash performance as herself.
There's Kerry Butler, Faith Prince, Harriet Harris, Jenna Russell, Sutton Foster/Megan Mullally (whichever one ends up in the Leading category), Mandy Gonzalez who has been a replacement for several years and finally has the chance to create a role in an original musical (IN THE HEIGHTS), Sierra Boggess (who I doubt would get the nod over Patti, but look at Laura Bell Bundy's nomination over Kristin Chenoweth last season), and Kelli O'Hara.
Patti's not as much of a sure thing as many people may be thinking. Kristin received more praise for her performance in THE APPLE TREE last season than Patti did as Rose at City Center, many critics saying that she was better than the Tony winning originator, and she ended up without a nomination.
Patti can consider herself lucky if she gets a nomination this season, and personally, I think it would be a shame to take away a nomination from a fresh up-and-comer just to stick Patti in there because she's Patti.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
