Who I Like Tonight for 2010 U.S. Senate Race in Ohio

January 11, 2009 by Pelikan · 4 Comments
Filed under: Gov Strickland, ohio politics

So long, George.

At any rate, the Ohio Republican Party is going to be fun to watch. What does Mr. Recharge Ohio, John Kasich do now? Sure, there a couple of things here or there to quibble with Gov. Ted Strickland over in a gubernatorial campaign, but state government under this Democratic governor – with a focus on efficiency, transparency and accountability – will measure well against the fast times and loose ethics of what Republicans brought Ohioans for 16 years. Kasich might want to recharge his plans and run for Senate. Rob Portman — Rob who? Portman may want to work a deal with Kasich. It goes like this: Portman runs the sacrificial lamb race against Strickland and gets his name out there statewide, to run for an open Governor’s office in 2014, Kasich runs for Senate. They don’t beat on eachother in a primary. How about Slick Jon Husted? U.S. Senator is an office for a person with a bit more gravitas. It would be a true shame for America if Ohio sent another made-for-TV Republican empty suit to the World’s Greatest Deliberative Body, but it could happen. Husted and Kasich could come down to money. Mary Taylor, irrelevant. Jim Petro and Betty Montgomery, too old guard. Ken Blackwell will hopefully be unavailable as he will be occupied driving the Republican Party’s bus off a cliff as RNC Chairman. Dark Horses: Mike Dewine, John Boehner, Bill Cunningham.

There’s only one person who stands out for various reasons among the Ohio Democratic Party set: Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher. Fisher is smart, experienced, plugged in to the Strickland 88 county operation, he’s been a trooper, and the Senate would be a great place for him to champion causes. Rich Cordray may have to be medicated in order not to give in to the impulse to run, but he’s probably found himself a home he will be happy in as AG. Some have said Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner would be a great U.S. Senator and I agree. I think the inside race to the primary favors Fisher, and Brunner will run for a second term. If Fisher decides he wants to be Governor someday, Brunner then looks like the best candidate. At this point, I don’t think it matters who the dark horses could be. The curent Democratic statewide office holders are such solid people and great pols that this won’t be the cycle to jump from obscurity. All of you Democratic members of Congress out there should think about all of the tough votes you’re going to have over the next 12 to 18 months. You need to be focused on one thing, protecting your homebase for now. 2010 is not going to be the year for launches from obscurity statewide. Protect what you’ve (what we’ve) got.

Tags: George Voinovich, Ohio Democratic Party, Ohio Republican Party, Ohio U.S. Senate Race

Ohio Sunday Papers – December 28, 2008

December 28, 2008 by Pelikan · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Energy Policy, Environment, Gov Strickland, Ohio Economy, State of Ohio Budget, State of Ohio Govt, ohio politics

Columbus Dispatch

Ohio Republicans Overwhelmed by Unprecedented Democratic Effort

October 7, 2008 by Pelikan · 2 Comments
Filed under: Barack Obama, Presidential Campaign 2008

At a Republican meeting in Northeast Ohio this past weekend party operatives had to decide whether or not to continue to pour resources into a particular Ohio House race which just weeks ago was considered a toss-up. Their decision was to pull out and try to shore up another candidate. There’s enough cross-talk among party pros from both sides that within two days Democratic field operatives knew about the meeting and knew which race would not be as hotly contested. Their reaction? Keep pouring it on. Read more

Tags: Barack Obama, Northeast Ohio, Ohio Democratic Party, Ohio House Races, ohio politics, Ohio Republican Party