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Blade - State Democrats catch early bus as campaign speeds up

Sunday, August 20, 2006

(The Toledo Blade)State Democrats catch early bus as campaign speeds up

By STEVE EDER
BLADE STAFF WRITERS

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - After more than a decade of unsuccessful statewide campaigns, Ohio Democrats are getting out on the campaign trail early and presenting a united front to supporters in hopes of showing them that things could turn out differently in 2006.

This weekend a full fleet of Democratic statewide candidates are roaming the state on a 13-county bus-tour trying to rally supporters and convince undecided voters that Ohio needs change.

The three-day tour on the "Turnaround Ohio" bus, which rolled through southwest Ohio yesterday with stops near Cincinnati and Dayton, is bucking the traditional trend of statewide campaigns switching into high gear after Labor Day.

U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, the Democratic nominee for governor, told supporters yesterday during a rally at the Laborers' Local 534 post in Middletown: "We've all joined together because we are conducting a campaign based on hope and optimism for a better future for our state."

Republicans, who have dominated state government since 1990, say the tour serves as evidence the Democrats are "running scared."

The GOP, which is also in the midst of a busy weekend of campaigning, contends its opponents seem energized but are still out-of-touch with Ohioans.

Richard Cordray, the Democratic nominee for treasurer, who appeared on the party's unsuccessful 1998 ticket as the nominee for attorney general, said the GOP has plenty to fear this year.

"It's an entirely different year in terms of the reception we get from the public - I mean, huge enthusiasm, big thirst for change," said Mr. Cordray, the Franklin County treasurer who in November will face Ashtabula County Auditor Sandra O'Brien, the Republican nominee.

"We see it all over the state. It's not just in the Democratic areas. It's a world of difference," Mr. Cordray said.

He added, "Everything is clicking better this year."

John McClelland, a spokesman for the Ohio Republican Party, said yesterday that both parties are working hard to get their messages out.

"Despite all the reports that this is the Democrats' year, they know they have a message that doesn't resonate well so they are running scared," Mr. McClelland said.

Mr. McClelland said voters are seeing an "energized Democrat Party" this year, but it's one that doesn't offer solutions for Ohioans.

"One thing that is not different is the relative lack of experience and effectiveness of their candidates," Mr. McClelland said. "As much as they are excited and being more aggressive in their campaign, when it comes down to it ... it's the same sorry, ineffective Democrat Party."

Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, the Republican nominee for governor, is on the campaign trail as he gears up for Labor Day weekend, the unofficial start of the campaign season. Mr. Blackwell, who yesterday had a town hall style meeting in Fayette County and met with supporters in Dayton, has rallies planned for today in Miami County and Darke County.

Carlo LoParo, Mr. Blackwell's spokesman, said Mr. Strickland and the other Democratic statewide candidates' early jump on the campaign season is an indication that "Ohioans have no idea who the Democrat candidates are."

"They are not known by Ohioans, but once they get their message out ... Ohioans will reject them because they don't share the traditional Midwestern values that Ohioans cherish," Mr. LoParo said.

Mr. LoParo said he notices a difference in the atmosphere in this election, but he believes the Democrats' "false boost" will be "quickly wiped away when the candidates are side by side."

Some Democratic supporters who came out to catch a glimpse of the tour bus are predicting a tough battle for their party.

"Normally we don't see this type of thing until after Labor Day, but it is probably a good thing to educate the voters and let them know what's going on and who the candidates are," said Lynnette Campbell, who attended a rally at Dayton's Oak and Ivy Park. "Democrats, in my opinion, have an uphill battle, but at the same time I think voters are ready for a change and when they make that change, they need to make the right change."

Ms. Campbell, who hasn't volunteered in recent elections, said she is in the process of deciding whether to lend the Democratic candidates a hand this year.

But Bob Burke, a Democratic volunteer from Fairfield Township who attended yesterday's rally in Middletown, said he senses that independent voters want a change after 16 years of Republican leadership in the state.

"Their guts tells them its time to move on," said Mr. Burke, adding that Democrats are wise to get an early start putting out their message.

Mr. Strickland, who has an advantage over Mr. Blackwell in early polls, last week released his first television advertisement of the general election.

Mr. Blackwell, who had to refill his campaign coffers after a hotly contested GOP primary with Attorney General Jim Petro, has not begun running ads in preparation for the November election.

Cynthia Dye Williams, a volunteer from Fairfield, who attended yesterday's event in Middletown, said the Democratic faithful are excited about their statewide candidates.

"This is the most excited I've been about state candidates that I can remember," she said.

Contact Steve Eder at: seder@theblade.com or 419-724-6272.