OH SENATE: Springer is NOT the primary favorite

[goobergunch]

I've posted this in various threads, but I just think this needs to be said once and for all.

There are two candidates for the Democratic nomination to face Voinovich in the Ohio Senate race. One is Jerry Springer. The other is St. Sen. and ex-Rep. Eric Fingerhut, who the Coshocton Tribune describes thusly:

The other choice is softer-spoken state Sen. Eric Fingerhut, D-Cleveland, who many consider intelligent and articulate, if long-winded. He'd likely engage U.S. Sen. George Voinovich in deep, thoughtful debate, offering a solid choice at the ballot box.

And Fingerhut has tons more credibility in that he doesn't exploit society's misfits, has had an up-close look at the state's economic woes, and actually lives in Ohio.

http://www.coshoctontribune.com/news/stories/20030720/localnews/613163.html

Although I personally have no problem with a Sen. Springer, many people would-and that's why even his nomination is unlikely. Consider the following Ohio Poll result:

Fingerhut leads Voinovich, 51 to 38 percent, among registered voters identifying themselves as Democrats.
Springer trails Voinovich, 29 to 62 percent, among Democratic registered voters.

http://www.ipr.uc.edu/PDF/OhioPoll/op031003.pdf

I believe that Springer will probably lose the primary to Fingerhut. However, I could be wrong. Consider the following article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Springer gains a grudging respect

Although I stand by my primary prediction, I also think that if Springer can win the primary, he can beat Voinovich.

EDIT: Italicization of publications

[ButterflyBlood]

1. I do hope Fingerhut wins

I have no problems with Springer, but unpopular a candidate as he is, he'd drag down the whole Dem ticket, including for president.

[prez_sux]

2. what about...

if reagan could win two terms in office as the president, maybe springer could too?

think of the name recognition.

besides, wouldn't you vote for springer if the democrats ran him?

[goobergunch]

3. Raygun had won two terms as governor first

I have no problem with Springer. However, a lot of other people do.

[mndemocrat_29]

10. Springer Can't Run

Springer was born in another country.

[UpstateNYDem]

4. Not going to be close

I just ran the numbers, Vonivich gets an easy win against Fingerhut with 61% of the vote and a massive win with 86% against Springer. I did slightly fudge the numbers because the poll wasn't as thorough as I would have liked. I can reasonably say that Springer has no chance, only Fingerhut has the chance to mount a credible candidacy, but he needs to get visible and fast if he wants to.

[SaveElmer]

5. I'm glad I don't live in Ohio

So I don't have to confront this. But the Democrats DO NOT need to be associated in any way with Jerry Springer. The guy makes his living off the problems of others. I personally think he is a personifcation of how this country is going down the sh**hole. The fact that he continues to earn the ratings he does is just really sad.

[jiacinto]

6. God help us if Springer wins the primary

Lord help us indeed.

[dsc]

7. Springer has all but no hope

Those numbers amoungst Democrats are nothing short of terrible. He is both very well known and has dismal ratings. His very good policy speeches will not be covered in our free media (any Ohioian can back that up) but his show's anctics will be. His one, and only, asset is money and it can't buy respect. It really can't when he is so well known and disrespected all ready.

[ButterflyBlood]

8. Good

we need a credible Senate candidate if we want any shot at carrying Ohio.

[VoteClark]

9. Kucinich for Senate

I personally want to see Kucinich run for that spot. I really like Kucinich. I want to see him involved in domestic issues on the National level. I agree with him on most issues. I really don't think he can beat Bush. So I would like him to save us from Springer, who is more apart of what is wrong with America than what is right with it.


J4Clark

[Dear Prudence]

11. Kucinich coulc take the Ohio Senate

but he choose to run for Prez. I feel the same way though, he's one of the hardest working Congressman. I'd like to see him appointed Secretary of State or Attorney General - either place he'd make a strong contrast and be genuinely trustworthy. I could trust Dennis with the U.S. Constitution - who else could you trust with it?

But, I don't have a problem with Jerry Springer. He was a speaker in my home town recently. He's soft spoken - what are they talking about? And he's smart. He may have made money "exploiting" bad news but hey, so does the media and the GOVERNMENT. Voinovich is a REPUBLICAN, and as much as I do like him - he must go because the RIGHT IS WRONG now more than ever before. Even if Bush is ousted from office, the Republican's course of Right-Wingers will not end with Bush. They will continue their agenda. We MUST win back the Senate.

(I will have to study up on Fingerhut, but tell me, is he related to Fingerhut?)

[Dear Prudence]

12. Jerry

Springer may have more appeal to the average joe than a guy from Shaker Heights, which to those of us that know where Shaker Hts. is, it would be another Senator from "Cleveland" / the Northern part of the state. Springer will have more appeal with the southern half - oh hell who knows. At any rate, Ohio has not faired well in recent years with Bush/Taft/Voinovich - people may risk for change.