Coleman Quitting Race for Governor (Ohio)

[Andrea]

Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman is withdrawing from the race to be the Democratic nominee foe governor of Ohio, leaving Ted Strickland as the only major declared Democratic candidate.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/

I hate to see him go, but I think it's the right thing. We all need to back Strickland now, because it is imperative that we get a Dem elected Goveror in this state.

[davidinalameda]

1. could you put in the entire link

thanks

[UpInArms]

3. that is a paid registration site -

but the link provided shows what the OP cited.

[mtnester]

6. Here is a site that does not require registration:

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/5426029/detail.html?treets=col&tml=col_break&ts=T&tmi=col_break_1_09440211292005

[UpInArms]

14. thanks!

:hi:

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

2. Damn. I think he would have done a good job. But... oh well. n/t

[mtnester]

5. No, trust me, this is a good thing

We do not want ANY distractions from the dirty Repub primary for governor that has already started.

Mike Coleman would have provided an easy distraction to the Repubs for several reasons, some of them not public yet (but would have been)...now they have to simply eat their own instead of trying to eat one of ours.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

7. Sure I get that. It's just that in my opinion

seemed like a really shitty place until he took over. I've met him and he has that sort of "Clinton charisma". As far as the "several reasons". What can you tell us? Is it anything that you know for sure?

[mtnester]

18. Stupid shit that would still be blown way out of proportion n/t

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

20. OK, but I'm still intrigued. n/t

[jseankil]

4. Attorney General Jim Petro (R) who is running is already running TV Ads

Time for Strickland to get his name out there now!

Personally I liked Coleman, his wifes DUI sure didn't help though and there are some other allegations that may have came out that would have hurt Coleman as well.

[liberal N proud]

8. Now that there is only one Dem candidate there is a way to effect

the Republican Primary:

Everyone must go register as a Republican prior to the primary. I know this will mean that you get all the repuke junk mail.

Come primary day, you go vote in the Republican Primary and vote on the lesser of two evils other than Blackwell.
This will help insure that Blackwell does not make it past the primary.

Day after primary, go change your registration back to Democrat. Not a damn thing the little repukes can do about it.

[seriousstan]

9. You are uninformed. The primary is the only time you state your

party affiliation. That is also the only time to change it....at the polls. If you vote Rep. you are a Rep until the next primary.

[xxqqqzme]

10. maybe in Ohio

but in CA, you can change your party affiliation anytime you want. I frequently change my party depending on which primary is the more important. I voted for simons here in CA cuz I knew he would be weaker candidate against Davis. The next day I changed my party back 2 Dems.

[Demit]

15. In PA, lots of people switch to have a voice in the oppo's primary.

Then they switch back. I believe this is how The Repubs knocked out Cynthia McKinney in Georgia, too--by supporting a ginned-up opponent in the Dem primary, knowing their own Repub candidate was safe in the primary by running unopposed. Tsk. Shouldn't call folks uninformed unless you are sure of your facts.

[seriousstan]

17. The "fact" is we were talking about OHIO. His advice was aimed at OHIOANS.

Now explain to me what Pa. and Georgia have to do with election strategies in OHIO.

The facts speak for themselves, his advice was useless and uninformed for our elections. Anyone taking his advise would have been misled.

[Demit]

19. If this had been posted in the Ohio forum, I would take your correction

graciously. Or if, instead of pompously calling the poster uninformed, you had said "in Ohio, we can't do that" and went on to inform us as to the specific time period required, I wouldn't have chimed in at all. Mom ever tell you you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar?

[seriousstan]

23. Once again, he was giving advice to OHIOAN voters.

I have worked the polls here for over 15 yrs and have seen the effects of uninformed and misguided voters. I think it is irresponsible to give advise to voters without having a firm grasp on the laws of the State.

He did not preface his advice with any caveat about him not knowing the laws of Ohio. In fact he said...."Everyone must go register as a Republican prior to the primary".

He took it upon himself to tell Ohio voters what they "MUST" do so I called him uniformed and corrected him.

Voting is not "catching flies", it is serious business and should be treated as such. Too many voted have been lost by people not understanding the rules of party declaration in the primaries. Many people come to the polls, exclaim themselves Independent and are them angry that they can't vote for a candidate.

Ohio doesn't have open Primaries either.

[immoderate]

11. Wouldn't we want to run against the most evil Republican?

I would think that Blackwell would provide the best target for a Democratic candidate. He is demonstrably corrupt. Why should we help them nominate an honest, moderate Republican (there could be one) who can't be easily attacked?:shrug:

--IMM

[liberal N proud]

12. Make sense, but I would think we would want to eliminate the

chance that he could fix another election and be the benefactor in this case.

[immoderate]

13. This time let's catch him.

Blackwell as a candidate would draw extraordinary scrutiny. If we allow that he could fix the election, then he could also fix it for another Republican. This would force him to work in the sunshine.

--IMM

[mod mom]

16. Bob Fitrakis, announced his candidacy as an independent today

as well. Bob, founder of Freepress.org, Attorney, Professor, Social justice activist, winner of six investigative awards for journalism, author, is probably best known here for his part in contesting the '04 election in Ohio and the mountain of evidence presented to John Conyers on election fraud.

[OzarkDem]

21. Agree, good for him

I'd suggest Lt Gov for him, but he's an excellent Mayor for Columbus.
Best wishes to Mike and his family and I'll support him whatever he chooses.

Now lets get Ted elected.

[mod mom]

22. Here is Coleman's email to supporters:

Dear Supporters:

This past weekend I spent a lot of time with my family and it was great.  We were able to relax for a moment and talk about the future.  I love them and can't imagine getting through a single day without their strength and patience.

With your help and support we were pulling ahead in the race for Governor - Wall Street's Zogby Poll shows me leading against every Republican contender and our fundraising was going well, with 2,000 new supporters joining  the team since September.

But life is more than polls and more than any one campaign.  My family and my city are more important than either, and after spending Thanksgiving considering all of the factors, I have made a very difficult decision.  Today, I announced that I am no longer a candidate for Governor of the State of Ohio.

I have traveled long miles since this began, and I've learned so much about this great state and its needs, but I love my family above all other things, and right now that is where I am needed most - as a husband and father.

I love my city, and my mission is not yet done here.  It has become increasingly clear that to win this race, which I believe I can win, it would require that I neglect my duties as mayor during the course of this campaign.  I cannot do that.

While I am no longer a candidate for Governor in the State of Ohio, the state and citizens have a place in my heart, my mind and my spirit, and I will not shrink from offering my views nor will I shy away from engaging in what's important for our people.  Ohio needs a leader who can get things done, and Frankie and I will continue to be a voice for all people.  I will be speaking out on the issues that matter, and holding those who want to lead our State to the highest possible standard.

I want to thank the thousands of people I met all over the state, and all those who supported this campaign.  Every hand that I shook lifted my heart  and I am humbled by the experience of running for Governor.

I also want to thank both of my staffs, in City Hall and on the campaign, for their complete faith in us and their willingness to give their hearts and minds and energy 100% for this campaign.

Thank you and may God Bless Ohio.