Coalition tries to foil Strickland’s choice for Democratic chairman

[Schmajo]

Forces are lining up against Redfern


http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.php

Thursday, December 15, 2005
Joe Hallett
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

"In an attempt to break organized labor’s control of the Ohio Democratic Party, a coalition of influential Democrats yesterday rebuffed a candidate for state Democratic chairman who is endorsed by the party’s frontrunner for governor. Members of the coalition, who said their ranks will swell before Monday night’s vote on a new chairman, threw their support to Dennis L. Lieberman, leader of the Montgomery County Democratic Party.

By doing so, they at least slowed the momentum of House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, of Catawba Island, who has been endorsed for party chairman by U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon, the leading Democrat for governor. Strickland conceded that his candidacy could be perceived as weak if Redfern’s bid fails.

***
Yesterday, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart, of Cleveland, withdrew from the race and endorsed Lieberman. Athens County Democratic Party Chairman Susan Gwinn said she, too, might withdraw and support Lieberman.

***
Gwinn said Redfern lost support after announcing that he would keep his legislative seat and not be a full-time chairman. Two influential party leaders — Cuyahoga County Democratic Chairman Jimmy Dimora and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman — have said it is crucial for the next chairman to serve full-time."

[OzarkDem]

1. I'm supporting Lieberman

Organized labor has run the state party into the ground. We do need a full time chair and one who is as good at organizing as he is at fundraising. Lieberman is both.

[femrap]

2. What is it with the Dispatch?

Is this the new trend....paying for online newspapers? Who owns it? Still the Wolf Family or did they sell long ago? Greedy, aren't they?

Tell me more about Lieberman....I definitely think we need a full time Chair.

[liberalnurse]

5. kick

n/t

[Schmajo]

8. Dispatch

Although not very important in the context of the Chairman election, I got his email today (12/19). Yes, the Wolfes still own the Dispatch.

"Thank you for your subscription to The Columbus Dispatch. Our ever-present goal is to be your top news source in central Ohio. We also want to make sure you take advantage of all the free additional benefits your print subscription brings you online at dispatch.com.

Beginning January 3, 2006, general access to the site will become free, and your print subscription will provide you with all the benefits of our new Dispatch Extra package. ....


You will have access to the last 30 days of electronic archives featuring the stories published in The Columbus Dispatch.... (Non-subscribers have access to only seven days of news, and pay $2.95 per article for any stories older than seven days.)"

I guess 7 days free is better than none.

:woohoo:

[liberalnurse]

3. I support Lieberman because

well, he is my neighbor. That's the neighborly thing to do.O8)

[WCGreen]

4. He is a great guy who personifies the true spirit of the

democratic party....

If Jimmy gets behind him, I am sure things would look good for DL...

[WCGreen]

6. Just got off the phone with a buddy...

Dimora is supporting lieberman.....

He should have it....

We need a full time chairman who isn't from the get along gang down in Columbus....

[WCGreen]

9. Well, looks like I was wrong.....

Redfern it is.....

[Algorem]

7. Dems to elect new chief tonight

Posted on Mon, Dec. 19, 2005

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news/state/13443751.htm

JOHN McCARTHY
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The new head of the Ohio Democratic Party likely inherits something rare in recent elections - proven vote-getters at the top of the ticket.

Now the new chief must use that muscle to perform a feat that has eluded the past four chairmen and win a statewide executive office against a backdrop of scandal that's tarred the Republican Party.

Members of the party's executive committee planned to meet Monday night to elect a successor to former chairman Denny White, who resigned on Nov. 23 after four years. The winner will finish White's term, which expires in June, and becomes the front-runner for the next two-year term.

Although five names were on the ballot, the only contenders were believed to be Ohio House Democratic leader Chris Redfern of the Port Clinton area and Montgomery County Democratic Party chairman Dennis Lieberman of Clayton...

http://www.ohiodems.org