It appears that Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will not throw his hat in the ring against Sen. Mike DeWine in 2006. A few minutes ago, he released the following on
GrowOhio.org:
For the past several months, my number one priority as a member of Congress was leading the bipartisan opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). As I predicted in a USA Today editorial, the vote took place in the middle of the night, continuing a trend embraced by Republican leadership. Once again, the roll call was extended, pork was promised, and arms were twisted. Even then, CAFTA passed by only two votes.
Since that early morning injustice, I began to deliberate seriously about whether to take a run at the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mike DeWine. After discussions with my family, closest friends, and colleagues in Congress, I have decided to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives. The race for U.S. Senate is very winnable, and there are a number of impressive Democrats considering a run who I am confident will defeat the incumbent in 2006.
With Tim Ryan leaning against running, is it time for our favorite congressional candidate to shoot for higher office?
Hackett for Senate. Has a nice ring to it.