Ohio's Republican and Democratic parties are facing complaints they were too aggressive in pushing out challengers in the gubernatorial race. Larry Ealy, a little-known Democrat from the Dayton area, filed for the race before the Wednesday afternoon deadline. A Montgomery County Democratic official says Ealy had problems in the past qualifying to run. Democrats had a primary fight looming as recently as last Friday, before Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune withdrew his bid to challenge Ed FitzGerald. First-term incumbent Governor John Kasich faces no challenger because a potential tea party challenge fell through. Gubernatorial and other candidates for statewide offices have filed their paperwork. More from Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler.
Democratic strategist Sandy Theis says the fact that Kasich has raised five dollars for every dollar FitzGerald has campaign cash doesn’t mean much at this point.
“God, no, it’s not over. It’s very, very early. The incumbent always has a fundraising advantage.”
But Republican operative Mark Weaver says FitzGerald’s choice of abortion-rights backer Sharen Neuhardt as his lieutenant governor is interesting to him.
“That, and the weak fundraising means he’s in for a rough year.”
The marquee race is of course Republican John Kasich against Democrat Ed FitzGerald for governor. Democratic strategist Sandy Theis says the fact that Kasich has raised five dollars for every dollar FitzGerald has campaign cash doesn’t mean much at this point.
“God, no, it’s not over. It’s very, very early. The incumbent always has a fundraising advantage.”
But Republican operative Mark Weaver says FitzGerald’s choice of abortion-rights backer Sharen Neuhardt as his lieutenant governor is interesting to him.
“That, and the weak fundraising means he’s in for a rough year.”
Filings with the Secretary of State’s office show neither FitzGerald nor Kasich will face a primary, but they will see Libertarian Charlie Earl on the fall ballot. And there are expected to be libertarians races for attorney general, auditor, secretary of state or treasurer as well. The entire Ohio House and half the Ohio Senate – are up this year too. But some of those major party candidates are going to have to make it through primaries in May to be on the ballot in November.