Sherrod Brown will NOT run for Senate

[TheresNoMoney]

http://www.growohio.org/story/2005/8/17/201241/723

Brown has taken a pass on the U.S. Senate race in 2006. This is what many of us expected with him taking so much time to make a decision. I would have loved to have a Senator Brown in Ohio, as he is excellent on economic issues and truly represents his constituents' best interests.

Next on deck, Tim Ryan. He'll have a decision by Labor Day at the latest.

[TheresNoMoney]

Hackett is on deck if Ryan declines.

If we don't get any of those three, we're screwed. But I'm pretty sure we will. I think there's a decent chance that Tim Ryan will run. And I think that Ryan would probably be the strongest candidate. He could go after DeWine on both labor/economic issues, gun rights, and the war.

[TheresNoMoney]

Brown is far from a nutjob. He'd be a helluva Senator.

[TheresNoMoney]

Interestly enough, beyond those officials, the Republicans in Ohio probably have a better 'bench' (Congressmen and state legislators than the Democrats).

The Republicans have dominated state politics in OH for a long time.

[TheresNoMoney]

GREAT analysis, Justice Ben. I think you're right on.

From what I've read, people ARE expecting Tim Ryan to run for Senate. You are right that he and Ted Strickland have very similar stances on most issues. I also think you're correct in calling Ryan an old school populist.

And Hackett as Lt. Governor is also a distinct possibility. That would be a dynamite ticket.

[TheresNoMoney]

Maybe Chairman Dean can use Ryan and Hackett as examples for future Democratic candidates for seats in Congress.

Both are straight-talking guys with strong convictions who don't back down to Republican attacks. Those are the types of candidates we need.

Stances on social issues can differ by state, but we need candidates who are populist on economic issues and will talk straight with the voters.

[TheresNoMoney]

I think Hackett is eager to run for Senate or Lt. Governor.

[TheresNoMoney]

Running commercials showing President Bush favorably and then calling him a lying chickenhawk to liberal media outlets does not equal "straight" talk. Who cares what Hackett runs for, anything of significance he will lose.

We've already gone over this plenty of times, so I'll just say again that you are completely wrong in your assertion.

Anyway, losing by 3% in the 57th most conservative district in the country is damn good. They ran an excellent campaign.

[TheresNoMoney]

[We're probably screwed anyway.  I think DeWine will keep his seat, as much as I hate to say it.

No way, man! We have a great shot in this race if Ryan gets in. Ohio is purging itself of Republicans in 2006.

Brand new SurveyUSA poll:

http://www.surveyusa.com/100USSenators0805SortedbyHighestApprovalRating.htm

42% approve, 43% disapprove. Only three Senators are worse (Martinez, Coburn, and Santorum)! DeWine is in big trouble.