As the incomparable Robert Byrd would say: “Shame!”

You knew this was coming: When State Rep. Tony Payton Jr. challenged the Democratic Party establishment two years ago — and had to go to court to win the 179th Legislative District over Emilio Vazquez, the party-backed candidate who had been forced to wage a write-in campaign — we knew the party would return for Payton’s head. On Saturday the party endorsed newcomer Guy D. Lewis to challenge Payton, identified in Lewis’ press release as “the incumbent,” in the May primary.