(Cross posted at Buckeye State Blog)
Nothing says "I'm exploring a run for the U.S. Senate" like attending rubber chicken dinners on the other side of the State from your district.
So on April 19th, Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Youngstown) is going to be the keynote speaker at the Clermont County Democratic Party's dinner. Ryan was one of several being recruited to run in 2006, but instead supported Paul Hackett over Sherrod Brown. His support for Hackett alone should give Ryan a jump in SWO.
Ryan has, of course, gotten quite a national following given some of the most fiery speeches on the floor of Congress against the war in Iraq.
(HT: Cincinnati Enquirer's Politics Extra Blog)
Ryan has a good base in NEO. His prior support for Paul Hackett should help him make inroads in SWO and SEO as he improves his name recognition. Ryan has the ability to unite old Democratic constituencies like labor and new groups like young, urban progressives.
I've heard Lee Fisher as a possible candidate, too. Any other names in the running?