May 4 Senate primary

[Bill McBlueState]

What can people tell me about the Democratic primary for the Senate seat? I'm new to the state, so I don't know anything about Lee Fisher, but I liked what I heard about Jennifer Brunner's advocacy for fair elections in 2008.

[POAS]

1. Good question

My off hand response is to say "flip a coin" as I like them both and think either will make a good Senator.

On reflection, however, I think I would give an edge to Brunner because of her long standing involvement and expertise in elections law, which I believe is going to be a major battle ground going into 2012.

From her WIKI page:

During her private practice career, she focused on election law and campaign finance law where she represented a broad range of candidates, businesses, political parties and committees before the Ohio Elections Commission on quasi-criminal matters.

As Secretary of State, she has been actively involved in evaluating and adjusting statewide election systems. Her efforts have focused on correcting the procedural election difficulties that Ohio has become known for.<4> She has evaluated voting mechanisms and instituted policy changes.<2><5> She has argued policy regarding same day voting,<6> privacy of social security information,<7> and foreclosure-related voter eligibility.<8> She has advocated for greater availability and access to voting for all.

[Kolesar]

2. Brunner deserves the nomination

She ran for Secretary of State because she realized how important it was to fix the broken elections in Ohio. She took courageous positons with great political risk and succeeded.

[proudohioan]

3. I've heard good things about Jennifer Brunner.

Like you, I haven't heard anything about Lee Fisher.

Welcome to Ohio!

:hi:

[OhioBlue]

4. I'm voting for Brunner

I've read their releases, listened to them, etc. Not everything for sure.. But did volunteer for Jennifer back in '06 and did a lot of volunteer work for Strickland/Fisher - have met them both.

Here are my impressions:
Jennifer is a true progressive in the mold of Sherrod Brown - she is a fighter for those who don't have a voice, excellent on all issues and while she is a politician, that is secondary to her mission. Should she be elected Senator, I think her voice and leadership qualities will be an asset to the U.S. Senate that will benefit us (and the Country) the most of our choices.

Lee is a guy with good intentions, probably right on all the issues too.. but more of a pragmatic, professional politician from decades past. He hasn't seemed to be good at framing the issues as of late... seems to capitulate and he seems to react to everything instead of being proactive. I think he's a good guy for Lt. Gov or an admin position, but not really Senator material. Better than a pug for sure... but I don't get the feeling he will be a fighter nor advance progressive causes.

I've been much happier with Jennifer and the job she has done as SOS than I have been with the Strickland/Fisher job. Not to bash them.. but if I gave them grades or ratings - Jen would be much higher.

[Bill McBlueState]

5. thanks for the analysis

I moved here from Massachusetts, where the Democrats' tendency to nominate a "pragmatic, professional politician from decades past" instead of a "true progressive" gets them into trouble all the time, at least in my opinion.

Brunner seems like a good choice.

[ladym55]

6. I'm also a big Brunner fan

She has done an incredible job fighting all the elections crap thrown at her by the state Republican Party. She is a true Progressive and a fighter, and I've appreciated that. Lee Fisher is a good guy, but not very strong. I did see a poll not too long ago that said that she had a better chance in November against the Rethuglican than Fisher did. However, Fisher has the support of the state Democratic party.

[Sara Bradi]

7. what a surprise

that Fisher has the support of the state Democratic party.

Redfern & the state Dem party screwed us Dems when the state Dem party stood behind Marc Dann instead of staying neutral or backing Subodh Chandra.

They are at it again in this race.

Could someone please ask them to stay out of this race ?