Dispatch: Survey tabs Mayor Coleman as favorite among Dems in race for governor

As it did last week concerning Republicans and the governorship, the Columbus Dispatch has published a story examining who among Democrats emerge as early picks for U.S. Senate in 2004, and for governor in 2006.

A poll suggests that among Democrat political leaders in Ohio, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman ranks third highest, but emerges as the front-runner because the Democrats' first two choices, Rep. Sherrod Brown of Lorain, and Rep. Ted Strickland of Lucasville, both say they don't want either job.

According to the Dispatch, even Coleman has been wary of talking about running in 2006. Several Democrats say he must achieve an impressive win in his re-election campaign this year to propel him to a possible try for governor.

Once Brown and Strickland are out of the picture, no clear choice remains for the Senate seat occupied by Republican George V. Voinovich, with former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Mary Boyle and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur narrowly topping talk-show host Jerry Springer.

Commentary by Chad D. Baus:
Aside from their frequent anti-gun stance, seemingly a party plank, is it any wonder why the Democrat party is completely out of power in Ohio, when Jerry Springer ranks close to the top of candidates for U.S. Senate in a poll among Ohio's Democrat leadership?

Despite the Republican party's successes at the ballot box, however, all is not as it should be. U.S. Senators Voinovich and DeWine often vote against Second amendment issues, and Ohio's Governor is THE impediment to obtaining concealed carry reform for our citizens.

No matter from which party, OFCC PAC desires candidates for all offices which will include our right to self-defense and gun ownership when they act on their sworn duty to uphold the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions.

Click here to read the entire Columbus Dispatch story (subscription site - paid access only.