Ohio's Republican Senator Rob Portman announces he won't run for reelection after his current term in office ends in 2022:

 

This probably leads to a crowded field on both sides, but the Republicans definitely have better name recognition IMO.

 

We'll be looking at Renacci, Jordan, or possibly even Husted running for the Republican nomination.

 

This could pull some Democrats away from the Gubernatorial race. So we could be seeing Cranley, Nan Whaley, Emilia Sykes, or Tim Ryan run for the seat. I've also seen talk of Lebron James, but I highly doubt that.

 

Here's what Wikipedia lists:

 

Side note: seeing Connie Schultz up there makes me think about how weird it would be to have a married couple as the two senators from a state.

Hopefully this means Portman feels free to speak his mind a little more because he has been spineless during the last 4 years to say anything of substance on any issue.

 

Also Lebron is on contract in LA through 2023 and will be making over $40 million a year, maybe after retirement he thinks about politics but a 36 year old Lebron isn't running... and he also doesn't live in Ohio anymore. What about Dave Chappelle? 

Man it would be weird to see Dr. Action and LeBron debate each other

I lean republican (did not vote for trump) but if Jim Jordan wins the nomination, it’ll be another reason for me to give up on the party.

9 minutes ago, ucgrady said:

Hopefully this means Portman feels free to speak his mind a little more because he has been spineless during the last 4 years to say anything of substance on any issue.

 

Correct.  He can start by voting to convict Trump next week.  

 

Just think we could have had Senator Tuberville instead of Alabama.  

 

 

Former Ohio state health director reportedly considering Senate bid

 

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536013-former-ohio-health-department-director-considering-run-for-senate-report

 

======================================

 

I actually didn't know Acton was a registered Democrat.  Assumed she was Republican simply because of her former position as a political appointee in a Republican administration.

22 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

Former Ohio state health director reportedly considering Senate bid

 

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536013-former-ohio-health-department-director-considering-run-for-senate-report

 

======================================

 

I actually didn't know Acton was a registered Democrat.  Assumed she was Republican simply because of her former position as a political appointee in a Republican administration.

 

The fact that she was a registered Democrat and had campaigned for Obama amplified the hatred she receive from the anti-maskers.

5 minutes ago, DEPACincy said:

 

The fact that she was a registered Democrat and had campaigned for Obama amplified the hatred she receive from the anti-maskers.

And it showed a willingness by DeWine, at least up to that point, to look beyond partisanship when staffing his cabinet.

 

Just in case this doesn't get noted in this thread - from the Republican Party thread:

 

2 hours ago, DarkandStormy said:

Jim Jordan has announced he will not be running for Senate.

 

3 hours ago, Columbo said:

Just in case this doesn't get noted in this thread - from the Republican Party thread:

 

 

I thought I saw, on either WCMH or WBNS, that Husted also declined to run for Senate.
But I did see that former C-bus mayor Michael Coleman is interested in running for the senate seat.

Ooh, Coleman to the top for me as it stands right now.

 

56 minutes ago, DarkandStormy said:

 

Because of trumpism guys like Nino and Jordan have a great chance to be the republican nominee. As someone who leans republican it’s sad what this party is turning into.

Edited January 29, 20214 yr by cle_guy90

15 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

Ooh, Coleman to the top for me as it stands right now.

 

Do you feel like he can appeal to people outside Columbus? I know a bit about him but I'm very into politics. I don't think most Ohioans have ever heard of him.

14 minutes ago, DEPACincy said:

 

Do you feel like he can appeal to people outside Columbus? I know a bit about him but I'm very into politics. I don't think most Ohioans have ever heard of him.

He is like a Cranley in that respect. Limited name notoriety outside of home market but a seasoned politician who can fundraise and knows how to run a campaign. 

 

Amy Action, for the popular appeal she may have does not have the political savvy and exposes herself to being eaten alive if she were to run. 

Whomever runs for the Dems in the Senate race is going to be a proven candidate at some level and have the ability to raise money and knows how to operate a statewide campaign.

 

TBH There I am surprised the one candidate that nobody is talking about right now that could make a run (although he will be a late entry for obvious reasons) is PG sittenfeld. His current situation is going to keep in out of the mayors office in Cincinnati, but, if he can be aquitted, he has experience running for Senate in the past, and would/could make a statewide run at things. 2022 gives him time this year to clear his name, and he already has a war chest to get started. It may be a long shot but I would not be shocked.

Edited January 29, 20214 yr by Brutus_buckeye

4 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

TBH There I am surprised the one candidate that nobody is talking about right now that could make a run (although he will be a late entry for obvious reasons) is PG sittenfeld. His current situation is going to keep in out of the mayors office in Cincinnati, but, if he can be aquitted, he has experience running for Senate in the past, and would/could make a statewide run at things. 2022 gives him time this year to clear his name, and he already has a war chest to get started. It may be a long shot but I would not be shocked.

 

Hard pass on that though.

2 minutes ago, DEPACincy said:

 

Hard pass on that though.

I know it is a long shot, but assume he gets his name clear, he has a war chest, why wouldn't he be viable at that point? 

23 minutes ago, DEPACincy said:

 

Do you feel like he can appeal to people outside Columbus? I know a bit about him but I'm very into politics. I don't think most Ohioans have ever heard of him.

 

He's a good uniter and motivator and never comes across as slimy or untrustworthy (because he is neither). This is all in contrast to someone like Cranley. The only thing I didn't like about him was the closed-door City Council meeting policy under his watch which suspiciously ended right around the time Ginther (his chosen successor) went in. But people in Columbus barely think about that let alone people outside the city.

8 minutes ago, GCrites80s said:

He's a good uniter and motivator and never comes across as slimy or untrustworthy (because he is neither). This is all in contrast to someone like Cranley. The only thing I didn't like about him was the closed-door City Council meeting policy under his watch which suspiciously ended right around the time Ginther (his chosen successor) went in. But people in Columbus barely think about that let alone people outside the city.

Quote

 

The sale of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s home is the subject of a federal investigation, and agents have interviewed a city employee who says Coleman directed city staff members to help the buyer set up a business here. Federal investigators issued subpoenas and asked city staff members for records related to the $520,000 purchase of Coleman’s former house at 1362 E. Haddon Rd. in late 2010, according to several sources, including a city staff member.

…

Federal investigators issued subpoenas and asked city staff members for records related to the $520,000 purchase of Coleman’s former house at 1362 E. Haddon Rd. in late 2010, according to several sources, including a city staff member. Franklin County auditor records show that the house was purchased for well above the county’s 2010 appraised value of $404,000.

 

 

https://www.dispatch.com/article/20150625/NEWS/306259734

I remember that. At they end of the day I filed it under "Those people overpaid because they thought it was cool that they were buying the mayor's house." Mayors' offices' often help out with people looking to start a business in town.

Of course, nowadays overpaying like that for a house is almost normal to make sure you can get it at all.

23 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

 

He's a good uniter and motivator and never comes across as slimy or untrustworthy (because he is neither). This is all in contrast to someone like Cranley. The only thing I didn't like about him was the closed-door City Council meeting policy under his watch which suspiciously ended right around the time Ginther (his chosen successor) went in. But people in Columbus barely think about that let alone people outside the city.

 

My worry is that no matter how good he may be personally, his status as big city mayor could bring him down. I think any mayor of Cincinnati, Columbus, or Cleveland is starting from a deficit with people in Appalachia and the rural Northwest. I think Nan Whaley avoids this because people don't think of Dayton as a big scary city.

Hmm yeah that is kind of a thing when you look at Ohio statewide elections. The last big city mayor was Voinovich as far as Senators and Governors go. Ohio seems to like its small town and suburban politicians for the big ones.

21 minutes ago, GCrites80s said:

Hmm yeah that is kind of a thing when you look at Ohio statewide elections. The last big city mayor was Voinovich as far as Senators and Governors go. Ohio seems to like its small town and suburban politicians for the big ones.

 

Exactly. I think Luke Feeney would be a great candidate for statewide office. But he doesn't really have name recognition yet. Don't know how you get his name out there more. Maybe a statewide run for something like Auditor or Treasurer.

I actually know him personally and for a while there was talk of State Rep or State Senator but at this point something bigger might be more appropriate, I think. It seems like the party people like him (including the Clintons -- you know how God-like they are with the party people) and are bullish on his future. We haven't seen him as much lately since they had kids. I might know more in a week or two.

4 hours ago, DEPACincy said:

 

My worry is that no matter how good he may be personally, his status as big city mayor could bring him down. I think any mayor of Cincinnati, Columbus, or Cleveland is starting from a deficit with people in Appalachia and the rural Northwest. I think Nan Whaley avoids this because people don't think of Dayton as a big scary city.

 

Just give him an OSU hat and a flannel shirt.

 

Elected. 

3 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

I actually know him personally and for a while there was talk of State Rep or State Senator but at this point something bigger might be more appropriate, I think. It seems like the party people like him (including the Clintons -- you know how God-like they are with the party people) and are bullish on his future. We haven't seen him as much lately since they had kids. I might know more in a week or two.

 

But the Clinton-connection didn't help Strickland. And then they probably killed him....haven't heard from him in a while. 

Ohio Republicans managed to get Strickland branded as "The 2008 Guy" and it stuck. All those Rainy Day Fund ads.

Bernie Moreno, who owns a bunch of luxury car dealerships in CLE, and is pushing blockchain, is exploring a run as a Republican.

Edited February 1, 20214 yr by Pugu

On 1/29/2021 at 3:20 PM, GCrites80s said:

I remember that. At they end of the day I filed it under "Those people overpaid because they thought it was cool that they were buying the mayor's house." Mayors' offices' often help out with people looking to start a business in town.

 

Quote

The Chinese businesswoman who bought Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s former home says she didn’t know it was his house when she bought it. The transaction is now the subject of a federal investigation. But Jianhua Li said by telephone from Beijing that she purchased the home as a place to house workers for her company, not to curry favor with the mayor.

 

^(via The Dispatch in July 2015)

 

https://www.columbusmonthly.com/news/20170208/mike-colemans-former-house-is-sold

 

Quote

A Chinese businesswoman has sold the former home of ex-Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman for less than half of what she paid Coleman for it in 2010. Documents filed with Franklin County in December revealed Jianhua Li had unloaded the nearly 4,576-square-foot Berwick home for $250,000. In 2010, she paid $520,000 for the property—a price high for the east side neighborhood, according to comparable sales listed on the Franklin County auditor’s website and real estate agents who work in the Berwick area.

 

Li was considering doing business in the city of Columbus at the time of the 2010 sale, leading to an FBI investigation that resulted in no findings of wrongdoing.

 

 

Yost is out.

 

I think she would get eaten alive if she ran. Tim Ryan is the best chance for the Dems to win.

35 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

I think she would get eaten alive if she ran. Tim Ryan is the best chance for the Dems to win.

 

Agree 100% on the first point.  Surprised by the second. 

All those Harley guys that lost their minds when they had to pack granola bars on their rides since the bars were closed will turn up to vote against her. 

1 hour ago, Foraker said:

 

Agree 100% on the first point.  Surprised by the second. 

Who do you think in the Dem side would provide the best chance at winning? 

There's is not a good bench of Ohio dems unfortunately. Tim Ryan would probably be best. Jennifer Brunner might've been good too but I doubt she'll give up her judgeship to run.

 

1 hour ago, freefourur said:

There's is not a good bench of Ohio dems unfortunately. Tim Ryan would probably be best. Jennifer Brunner might've been good too but I doubt she'll give up her judgeship to run.

 

 

On the Dem side I think it'll be Ryan, Acton, and Nan Whaley.

 

On the R side, I think Steve Stivers has the most money on hand from his '20 campaign, so .... I guess he'd be the front runner there?

1 hour ago, freefourur said:

There's is not a good bench of Ohio dems unfortunately. Tim Ryan would probably be best. Jennifer Brunner might've been good too but I doubt she'll give up her judgeship to run.

 

I agree about Brunner. She has a safe spot now on the court. It is a name recognition thing too. Hard to lose as an incumbent on the Ohio Supreme Court. SHe can be there for as long as she wants.

On 1/30/2021 at 6:48 PM, surfohio said:

 

Just give him an OSU hat and a flannel shirt.

 

Elected. 

If it were that easy, ColDay would be governor of Ohio, I'd be lieutenant governor, and Mecklenborg would be exiled to Nashville.

Amy Acton steps down from Columbus Foundation to consider U.S. Senate run

 

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/politics/2021/02/04/amy-acton-steps-down-columbus-foundation-senate-run/4387971001/

 

Former state health director Dr. Amy Acton has stepped away from her job at the Columbus Foundation as she mulls a bid for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

 

In a statement, Acton said she had not yet made a decision whether to run in the Democratic primary for the seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park.

 

...

 

Democrats hope Acton's name recognition and high approval would translate to the political stage and national fundraising dollars. An April 2020 survey found 64% of Ohioans held a favorable opinion of Acton – including 65% of Republicans surveyed. Only 11.7% had an unfavorable opinion.

 

==================================

 

It's true that her experience is all as an appointed expert and not a campaigner.  But she has fantastic name recognition and high approval, and would be perfectly positioned to peel away the middle-class suburban women who have been trending Democratic in recent election cycles (but are who are also the Republicans' best chance for a comeback).  This would particularly be the case if the Republicans run someone who is not like Portman, and is cut more clearly of the Trump cloth.

I think part of her draw is that she is a non-partisan health expert. Running for Senate for either party would ultimately ruin that image, I would think, no?

Edited February 5, 20214 yr by Zyrokai

5 minutes ago, Zyrokai said:

I think part of her draw that she was a non-partisan health expert. Running for Senate for either party would ultimately ruin that image, I would think, no?

 

She would probably get pinned down on the big wedge issues that touch both medicine and culture that she was able to dodge surprisingly well as a Democrat working in a Republican administration (abortion and LGBT issues).  But if she was able to do that within a Republican administration, where I'm sure there were backroom conversations about her status as a Democrat, then she can probably learn to navigate those waters in the public eye, too.

 

Edit: Perhaps most importantly, she puts DeWine in a bit of a conflicted situation if she runs, one that might even end up with him not endorsing anyone in the general election.  We know that DeWine butted heads with the Trump administration's health people during the pandemic.  If the GOP runs a pandemic-denier who winks and nods to the antivax crowd and demands complete reopening instantly, DeWine is in a tough spot when his party asks him to endorse the party candidate over his own former health director.  Also in that vein (no pun intended), if the GOP runs such a person, Acton would probably attract very significant donor and PAC support from some of Ohio's wealthiest hospital systems and other health care provider interests.

Emilia Sykes won the EMILY's List Rising Star award this past year. Past recipients include Stacey Abrams and Cincinnati Native Ayanna Pressley. I was just reading through her profile, because I don't know her well as a representative despite her being the minority house leader for the major party I tend to support. I am struck that her family has represented their district for generations. She must be incredibly and intricately connected to the issues facing her community. I'm interested in learning more about her: https://www.emilyslist.org/news/entry/emilys-list-names-ohio-house-minority-leader-emilia-sykes-its-2020-rising-s

 

A couple thoughts: I don't feel like Ohio is too ideologically different from Georgia prior to the rise of Stacey Abrams. A successful Emilia Sykes campaign for Senate could have resounding impact on politics in the state. Ohio has never had a woman Senator. Only one party has ever run a woman candidate, the Democrats with Mary Boyle in 1996, I believe. Ohio has never had a BIPOC senator. 

6 minutes ago, Chas Wiederhold said:

Emilia Sykes won the EMILY's List Rising Star award this past year. Past recipients include Stacey Abrams and Cincinnati Native Ayanna Pressley. I was just reading through her profile, because I don't know her well as a representative despite her being the minority house leader for the major party I tend to support. I am struck that her family has represented their district for generations. She must be incredibly and intricately connected to the issues facing her community. I'm interested in learning more about her: https://www.emilyslist.org/news/entry/emilys-list-names-ohio-house-minority-leader-emilia-sykes-its-2020-rising-s

 

A couple thoughts: I don't feel like Ohio is too ideologically different from Georgia prior to the rise of Stacey Abrams. A successful Emilia Sykes campaign for Senate could have resounding impact on politics in the state. Ohio has never had a woman Senator. Only one party has ever run a woman candidate, the Democrats with Mary Boyle in 1996, I believe. Ohio has never had a BIPOC senator. 

 

 

 

Georgia's population is about 9.5% Hispanic.  Ohio's is under 4%.

 

 

 

Georgia is much more diverse than Ohio and a bit younger as well.  The Black % of the population is more than double what it is in Ohio.

On 2/4/2021 at 4:10 PM, DarkandStormy said:

 

On the Dem side I think it'll be Ryan, Acton, and Nan Whaley.

 

On the R side, I think Steve Stivers has the most money on hand from his '20 campaign, so .... I guess he'd be the front runner there?

 

Imo - I think it has to be Tim Ryan. He's a Sherrod clone and Sherrod is one of the few dems that can grab SEO's GOP votes. Otherwise, Dems would have to rely on MASSIVE turnout in the 3 C's and based on November, there's no reason to trust that will be the case. 

1 hour ago, Chas Wiederhold said:

I am struck that her family has represented their district for generations. She must be incredibly and intricately connected to the issues facing her community.

 

That's one way to look at it. Another would be to say that to some degree she has her current position because of who her parents are. She was born with significant privilege in that regard.

Tim Ryan's grip on his district has been slipping every single election in its current form. He's not Sherrod Brown. He doesn't have the name recognition across the state that Brown has, and struggled to maintain his seat in this election.

2012: 72.8%

2014: 68.5%

2016: 67.7%

2018: 61.0%

2020: 52.5%

 

Republicans love to tell the Democrats how to win over Republicans. Every year they say the boring insider is the guy that can win. Every year that boring insider loses. 

 

The matchup will depend on both who the Democrats and nominate and who the Republicans nominate. A Rob Portman type is a completely different person to run against than a Jim Jordan type.