This surprises me some. 

I am disappoint.

FitzDawg for Gov

FitzDawg for Gov

 

Kasich would demolish him.  Get ready for "PO 14" bumper stickers.

^just like you said Romney would demolish Obama?  Man I don't know where you get your information from....

Rich Cordray or Tim Ryan?

Cordray maybe. I'd say Tim Ryan doesn't have enough recognition outside NE Ohio/Ytown area... unfortunately. I think he'd be great, though.

If he wants it, I'd be surprised if Fitzgerald wasn't able to lock up the nomination.  Not sure he'd be able to topple Kasich though.

 

Ed FitzGerald says Ted Strickland's decision to sit out 2014 'accelerates' his own gubernatorial exploration

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/01/ed_fitzgerald_says_ted_strickl.html#incart_river_default#incart_2box

If he wants it, I'd be surprised if Fitzgerald wasn't able to lock up the nomination.  Not sure he'd be able to topple Kasich though.

 

Ed FitzGerald says Ted Strickland's decision to sit out 2014 'accelerates' his own gubernatorial exploration

 

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/01/ed_fitzgerald_says_ted_strickl.html#incart_river_default#incart_2box

 

I've warmed a bit to Fitzgerald since he's taken office as County Executive, but I'm still not a huge fan and I think that because he's from this area that might be held against him downstate.  One way or another the Democrats need to avoid a primary if at all possible.

Get ready for "PO 14" bumper stickers.[/color]

So, you Republican internet posters have your pejorative all ready to go.  Very unimpressive

seems like one of two things going on here....  Strickland's been advised that he can't beat Kasich and it's not worth his time or energy to campaign again.  Or the powers that be in the state & local Democratic party have told Strickland to step aside for others/Fitzgerald to take a shot and make a name for themselves

I wouldn't mind seeing Cincinnati's Mayor Mallory taking a shot at it.

I think Strickland would have had a great shot against Kasich.

seems like one of two things going on here....  Strickland's been advised that he can't beat Kasich and it's not worth his time or energy to campaign again.  Or the powers that be in the state & local Democratic party have told Strickland to step aside for others/Fitzgerald to take a shot and make a name for themselves

I assume it's a little bit of both. Unless Strickland's really not feeling up to a campaign (he's no spring chicken) it's probably safe to assume that a poll has been taken. And unless he's had his mind made up for a while (and is just now letting people know) he's probably heard both encouraging and discouraging voices from within his political circle.

Bad news, would've been an easy win for Kasich.

since Fitzgerald is the most talked about democratic challenger, I'm curious how he'll be perceived across the state, outside of NE Ohio where others aren't as familiar with his work as County Exec.  I suppose he has a good amount of accomplishments to tout, but I'd like to see him stick around awhile longer as Exec and build that list.  Then he'd be an even stronger candidate for governor

Didn't Fitzgerald just get elected County Exec? I greatly dislike anyone running for higher office during their first term at their current position.

I can't see Fitzgerald winning a statewide race.  He doesn't have the right pedigree.  Who is the last liberal from the Cleveland are to win a statewide race?  The rest of the state already despises Cleveland, so he has that going against him.  He is a liberal, so that is a double whammy for the rural and SW Ohio folks.  And he has ties to the Cuyahoga County democratic party, which won't play well in campaign ads.

 

To win a statewide election, the dems need someone of Strickland's pedigree...... someone who will win the Ohio River, particularly the WVa border.  He/she can't be from Cleveland or Toledo.  The candidate would need to be from Youngstown or somewhere south of that.  The only exception would be a true transformative candidate that would really build up enthusiasm in the younger and minority voter bases and I can't think of who that would be....... plus, the fact we elect our Governors during the midterm naturally skews the turnout towards the conservatives.

 

seems like one of two things going on here....  Strickland's been advised that he can't beat Kasich and it's not worth his time or energy to campaign again.  Or the powers that be in the state & local Democratic party have told Strickland to step aside for others/Fitzgerald to take a shot and make a name for themselves

I assume it's a little bit of both. Unless Strickland's really not feeling up to a campaign (he's no spring chicken) it's probably safe to assume that a poll has been taken. And unless he's had his mind made up for a while (and is just now letting people know) he's probably heard both encouraging and discouraging voices from within his political circle.

 

I don't think it is either.  Strickland is very active on the national scene now and probably wants to keep it that way.

 

Bad news, would've been an easy win for Kasich.

 

"Easy"?  Doubt it.  Kasich barely squeked by in Round 1 and has since alienated certain crucial blocks within his voter base, most notably the public employees (cops and firefighters) who voted for him and, more importantly, endorsed his candidacy.  Whomever he goes up against is going to have a good shot due to his choice to balance the state budget by breaking the backs of local budgets.

The rest of the state already despises Cleveland,

 

No.

The rest of the state already despises Cleveland,

 

No.

 

I hate to say it, but...yes.  Fitzgerald fits the profile of a candidate that gets landslid (is that even a word?).

...... someone who will win the Ohio River, particularly the WVa border.  He/she can't be from Cleveland or Toledo.    ...

That area is emptying out since the coal mines closed.  There are *no* votes to be had.  Democrats could rightly win in the suburbs, metropolitan Columbus, and other areas with a fourth grade or better reading comprehension ability.

The rest of the state already despises Cleveland,

 

No.

The rest of the state already despises Cleveland,

 

No.

 

I hate to say it, but...yes.  Fitzgerald fits the profile of a candidate that gets landslid (is that even a word?).

 

They don't neccesarily despise the city, but they do despise their perception of Cleveland/Cuyahoga politicians.

 

Throw in the PO-14 thing (the FBI's "pejorative", not ours) and that's pretty much that.

^In RW fantasy land.

PO (as used by the DOJ) is a term that has been twisted and blown way out of proportion.  Anyone who MIGHT have SOME relevant knowledge which MIGHT be relevant to some investigation is a "PO."

I'm from Cincinnati, and I have no idea who Fitzgerald is. It isn't that most people hate Cleveland politics, it's that most people don't know what goes on in Cleveland politics. And what is all of this PO business? I'm clueless, as I'm sure many down here are as well.

"PO" = person of interest........ i.e. someone law enforcement feels has some information or involvement in a criminal investigation.  It is a very general term used by the DOJ and does not specificy what the "interest" is...

 

Fitz was a PO in the Cuyahoga County corruption scandal.

I thought it meant "Public Official."

I thought it meant "Public Official."

 

Yep.  Public Official.  The original FBI report deleted names.  He was "PO-14".

Who is the last liberal from the Cleveland are to win a statewide race?  The rest of the state already despises Cleveland, so he has that going against him.  ...

Bill O'Neill, from Chagrin Falls was just sworn in as a justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. 

When I lived in the Mahoning Valley, I thought that Cleveland was pretty hip.  Especially the Heights

The college radio stations and the concert scene were da' bomb.

Joe Walsh, Chrissie Hynde, and don't forget Trent!

I thought it meant "Public Official."

 

Yep.  Public Official.  The original FBI report deleted names.  He was "PO-14".

 

I guess I mixed up my anagrams.  Point remains that it simply was a reference point and Fitzgerald was not charged in any way with any culpability in the corruption scandal.

I'm from Cincinnati, and I have no idea who Fitzgerald is. It isn't that most people hate Cleveland politics, it's that most people don't know what goes on in Cleveland politics. And what is all of this PO business? I'm clueless, as I'm sure many down here are as well.

 

Agreed. The idea that anyone in SWO gives a **** where NEO politicians come from is crazy as far as I know.

 

We all love Sherrod.

Sherrod is from Mansfield..... regardless, I wasn't suggesting that the stigma applied to all NEO liberals, just Cleveland.  After all, if we eliminated all NEO liberals from running for statewide office, there wouldn't be anyone for the Dems to nominate ;)

I think they should bring in a SW Ohio Democrat into the race.

 

Jerry Springer '14!

Springer would be a good challenger for Portman.

 

Mallory would be great for Governor. Qualls, when she is done being mayor in 9 years, would be a great pick for statewide anything. She's awesome.

 

I can think of others, but those are the best.

I soured on Strickland when he pushed the vote to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in the DNC "platform" last year.  The voice vote was "nay", btw.    I  did not see the need for that needless provocation.  Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine.  Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel .

 

Strickland tried to frame it that because he was "a Presbyterian minister", he somehow had authority to wade into that political dispute. 

 

Enjoy your retirement, Ted.

Springer doesn't seem to want to do politics again until the show is off the air. That's why he bailed on his Senate campaign in the early 2000s.

Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine.  Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel .

 

So Israel is not allowed to decide which city houses its capital? The Knesset (Parliament), the office of the Prime Minister and the office of the President are all located in the city of Jerusalem. That makes it the capital, in reality. I am not denying that the status of Jerusalem is disputed or up for dispute. However, it is of the utmost absurdity to make an unequivocal statement that Jerusalem IS the capital of Palestine and Tel Aviv IS the capital of Israel. I probably would have just grumbled to myself if you had written "should be" but, alas, that was not the case.

Moderator Note

 

Back on topic, please, before this thread devolves into an Israel vs. Palestine pissing contest.

Who is the last liberal from the Cleveland are to win a statewide race?  The rest of the state already despises Cleveland, so he has that going against him.  ...

Bill O'Neill, from Chagrin Falls was just sworn in as a justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. 

When I lived in the Mahoning Valley, I thought that Cleveland was pretty hip.  Especially the Heights

The college radio stations and the concert scene were da' bomb.

Joe Walsh, Chrissie Hynde, and don't forget Trent!

 

I actually voted for Bill, the only Democrat on my ballot last year IIRC.

 

He friended me on Facebook when I was arguing with a mutual friend (who later deleted me lol).  He seems pretty straightforward and honest, and I thought the SC needed at least one Dem.

 

I don't think it's just a Cleveland-liberal thing.  Cleveland area liberals are especially liberal, and of the paternalistic state rather than civil libertarian variety.  That doesn't play well downstate.

 

Strickland avoided that, at least the first time around.  The gun thing was huge.  I still think he would have won in 2010 if he had distanced himself from Obama.  I would have considered voting for him myself.

Springer doesn't seem to want to do politics again until the show is off the air. That's why he bailed on his Senate campaign in the early 2000s.

Has he ever officially confirmed that his show has been staged all along?

 

I don't think it's just a Cleveland-liberal thing.  Cleveland area liberals are especially liberal,

[/color]

 

Hahahaha, you'd begin hyperventilating within seconds in a coastal state. An Ohio liberal can't even compare -- except maybe a few people hanging out in Yellow Springs. Your goalposts have been shifted to the right so much that I'd place liberal about at the opponent's 5 yard line, the minus 50 for centrist and somewhere in the spillover parking lot across the street for conservative.

Springer doesn't seem to want to do politics again until the show is off the air. That's why he bailed on his Senate campaign in the early 2000s.

Has he ever officially confirmed that his show has been staged all along?

 

Not that I know of. It's pretty-self evident by now though, except maybe to the really gullible.

 

I don't think it's just a Cleveland-liberal thing.  Cleveland area liberals are especially liberal,

[/color]

 

Hahahaha, you'd begin hyperventilating within seconds in a coastal state. An Ohio liberal can't even compare -- except maybe a few people hanging out in Yellow Springs. Your goalposts have been shifted to the right so much that I'd place liberal about at the opponent's 5 yard line, the minus 50 for centrist and somewhere in the spillover parking lot across the street for conservative.

 

How do you explain Dennis Kucinich? 

Dennis is the exception that proves the rule of course, or something like that. I've honestly never met anyone approaching his liberal bent anywhere near his former district. Out of control name recognition plus union pandering gets you Dennis Kucinich.

His allegiance and love of his home district brought you Dennis Kucinich.  No matter what people say about him nationally, the west side of Cleveland loved the guy.  And it is hard to categorize him within the liberal wing.  In reality, despite a few stark contrasts, he had a lot more in common with Ron Paul than he did with most liberals.

His allegiance and love of his home district brought you Dennis Kucinich.  No matter what people say about him nationally, the west side of Cleveland loved the guy.  And it is hard to categorize him within the liberal wing.  In reality, despite a few stark contrasts, he had a lot more in common with Ron Paul than he did with most liberals.

 

He just signed up as a commentator for Fox News.    :evil:

 

Dennis was succesful in large part because as a junior Congressman from the minority party, he couldn't be expected to accomplish much.  This freed him up to grandstand.  Plus, he was an absolute master of constituent service.

Dennis was succesful in large part because as a junior Congressman from the minority party, he couldn't be expected to accomplish much.  This freed him up to grandstand. ...[/color]

Well that was imaginitive.

Dennis was succesful in large part because as a junior Congressman from the minority party, he couldn't be expected to accomplish much.  This freed him up to grandstand. ...[/color]

Well that was imaginitive.

Look at what he did with the Defense Finance case.  He held rallies and made speeches.  Inffective for anything other than making it look like he was "doing something".  Steve LaTourette was the one who re-crunched the numbers and had the clout to get the decision reversed.

 

Likewise, if Steve was still in the majority or Lou Stokes was still in office. National City Bank doesn't get screwed over in the TARP deal.

 

The fact is, the area won't miss Dennis much.  It will miss Steve immensely.

Steve is still here.  He and his wife Jennifer Laptook are going to screw Ohioans out of our money in the form of lobbying fees.

Dennis was succesful in large part because as a junior Congressman from the minority party, he couldn't be expected to accomplish much.  This freed him up to grandstand. ...[/color]

Well that was imaginitive.

Look at what he did with the Defense Finance case.  He held rallies and made speeches.  Inffective for anything other than making it look like he was "doing something".  Steve LaTourette was the one who re-crunched the numbers and had the clout to get the decision reversed.

 

Likewise, if Steve was still in the majority or Lou Stokes was still in office. National City Bank doesn't get screwed over in the TARP deal.

 

The fact is, the area won't miss Dennis much.  It will miss Steve immensely.

 

If everyone agreed with you they would all be wrong...