I am known in these parts as someone who care deeply about taking back the House, So in extended entry I will detail all our fabulous house candidates. However two very interesting things to note, Almost as many people cast Democratic Ballots for Governor as Republican, this despite the fact that The Republican Primary was a brutal contest between two-statewide elected officials. In addition to this fun fact, a Republican Treasurer Jeanette Bradley lost Re-Nomination to Sandra O'Brien. Overall these results would indicated that there is much hope in the races for Governor, Senate and House. Now to the House Races.
Ohio 1st
Democrat John Cranley versus Republican Steve Chabot
A classic swing district re-match. John Cranley held Steve Chabot to just 53% in 2000 and is now back, tested and ready to win. The district voted just slightly for George Bush, this is clearly a top tier race. A Cranley win says good things about are chances to take back the House.
Website
http://www.johncranley.com/
Cash on Hand Cranley 469,00 Chabot 1,106,000
Ohio 2nd
Democrat Victoria Wulsin versus Republican Jean Schmidt
I miss Paul Hackett. While Jean Schmidt was held below 50% in her primary challenge against Bob McEwen and the field, she will probably be going back to Congress. Democrat Victoria Wulsin, the seconded place finisher in the 05 primary was the victor this time and face Schmidt, who I imagine will face a Republican Primary once 08 roles to. Wulsin will hold Schmidt below 60, but not much. She is still a high quality candidate for the District.
Website http://www.wulsinforcongress.com/
Cash on Hand Not available given high spending on primary.
Ohio 3rd
Democrat Stephanie Studebaker versus Republican Mike Turner
One of three upset specials in Ohio, Stephanie Studebaker is running against Two Term Republican Mike Turner. This district voted 54-45 for President Bush but might be looking toward change in the Dayton Area. Stephanie Studebaker ran Dean's campaign in Ohio and is charging forward with an aggressive plan. It is likely, but if get it. Say Speaker Pelosi.
Website http://www.studebakerforcongress.com/
Cash on Hand Studebaker 14,000 Turner 314,000
Ohio 4th
Democrat Richard Sieferd versus Republican Jim Jordan
Can the 4th strike again, in 2004 Ben Konop ran a lot a head of Kerry to capture 41%, now Oxley is gone and the seat is open. I won't really put it on any real list but if lighting strikes a win is possible. Sieferd has a good message on China.
Website http://www.siferdforcongress.com/
Cash On Hand Sieferd 9,000 Jordan 384,000
Ohio 5th
Democrat Robin Weirauch versus Republican Paul Gillmor
This is a David and Goliath match up, which in politics David never wins. Our Nominee is 04 Nominee Robn Weirauch, who got 33% against the same opponent and while the National mood has soured it is hard to believe it has soured that much. Still it is nice to have someone to vote for and house candidates help turnout out vote at the top of ticket.
Website http://www.robinforcongress.com/
Cash on Hand Weirauch 11,000 Gillmor 343,000
Ohio 6th
Democrat Charlie Wilson versus Republican Chuck Blasdel
This one is getting plenty of ink but it bears repeating how massive a victory this was. The NRCC would not shut up about this race well the glee is gone now. Democrat Charlie Wilson not only won as a write in, he got 43,692 votes as a write in. Which is just absurdly good. That was more than all the Republicans got, Democratic Votes beat Republican votes by around 25,000, Wilson beat his Republican Challenger by more. As a write in. This is one of only two seats in the whole country currently listed as a tossup by Cook. I think George Bush just felt the pain when you wrote in Charlie's name. Props to Congressman Strickland, clearly he knows what is down in his own CD. A great sign for both men come November.
Website http://www.charliewilson.com
Cash on Hand Wilson 109,174 Blasdel 359,873
Ohio 7th
Democrat William Connor versus Republican David Hobson
This district has little drama or suspense. Democrat William Connor has not yet even filed an fec report and little is know about him. His website is passable enough and he may get some traction, but this not really a place to look on election day.
Ohio 8th
Democrat Morton Meier verus Republican John Boehner
This race makes the 7th look good. Boehner Democratic Opponent has neither a website, nor any money. Nice to have a name on the ballot, but that is all it is. But heck anyone is better than Boehner.
Ohio 9th
Democrat Marcy Kaptur versus Republican Bradley Levitt
I am not writing detailed profile's of Dems rolling with 65+ Congresswoman Kaptur will remain Congresswoman Kaptur
Ohio 10th
Democrat Dennis Kucinich versus Mike Dovilla
The Republican looks decent, but basically Ohio 9th.
Ohio 11th
Democrat Stephanie Tubbs-Jones versus Republican Lindsey String
When I say Mortal, you say lock.
Ohio 12th
Democrat Bob Shamansky versus Republican Pat Tiberi
The second in the sleeper races, This is a very close in the Presidential District and therefore the Dem should have a shot. Our Candidate is a Former Congressman but also relatively old. This one to watch to see if anything can bubble up here. Landslides include races like this.
Website http://www.shamanskyforcongress.com
Cash on Hand 16,000 1,412,000
Ohio 13th
Democrat Betty Sutton versus Craig Foltin
Another good one for Democrats, I think it is fair to say that the strongest candidate won in Democrat Betty Sutton, we avoid the Union problem that Sawyer would have been and also avoid Capri Cafaro of obvious problems. The Primary numbers also give zero hope to the Republican in November. Democrats cast 65,000 ballots to Republicans 30,000 despite the competitive Governor's race being on their side. In addition, Democrat Candidate Sutton almost doubled Foltin despite being a much stronger field. She even got 2,000 more votes in his Lorain base even though it is an open primary in Ohio. Goodbye Republican Pick up chance, hello Congresswoman Sutton.
Website http://www.bettysuttonforcongress.com/
Cash on hand Sutton 21,533 Foltin 186,020
Ohio 14th
Democrat Lewis Katz versus Republican Steve LaTourette
The final upset special and my favorite is right here in the 14th, a very close race in the Presidential, and Incumbent with potential Abramoff problem, a nominee who seems like a very plausible congressman. This one I think is very watch able, and I would put money here, just to keep them on the defense I think Lewis Katz could do it. Money is clearly an issue
Website http://www.katzforcongress.com/
Cash on Hand Katz, 33,863 LaTourette 488,000
Ohio 15th
Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy versus Republican Deborah Pryce
The second of two swing target district,This is the Franklin county show down. The district was near identical in the Presidential and this race is a defiant bellwether as to whether or not we take back the house. We have a good candidate in Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy and Moveon is already running ads in the district. Should be a barn burner.
Website http://www.kilroyforcongress.com/
Cash on Hand Kilroy 351,000 1,533,000
Ohio 16th
Democrat Thomas Shaw versus Republican Ralph Regula
Probably the biggest missed oppurunity in these 18 seats. It has a make up similar to the 3rd and could possibly swing back to the Democrats. The current incumbent was only able to get 58% in his primary, the Democrat candidate does not inspire. He has zero money and a very weak website. I want this to be the fourth sleeper maybe somebody can help Thomas Shaw out.
Website http://www.shawforcongress.com/
Ohio 17th
Democrat Tim Ryan versus Republican ?
The Republican didn't have someone on ballot I am not sure if the write in guy got enough to qualify. Regardless. Congressman Ryan will be Congressman Ryan in November.
Ohio 18th
Democrat Zack Space versus Republican Bob Ney
Clearly the wackiest race of the night, the incumbent because of scandal was held to 68% against a literal nothing. Meanwhile DCCC backed Joe Sulzer got his butt really well kicked. Our nominee is Zack Space, there is a question about whether the DCCC will stay. The number indicated they defiantly should. The three Democrats combined outpolled Bob Ney by around 12,000 votes. Also there can be no doubt that not all Harris will vote for Ney. Also the gap between Dem turnout and Republican Turnout was only three thousand different even though the competitive Statewide Primaries were on the Republican side. This district gave Bush 57% of the vote. The vote here was encouraging, just cause the DCCC picked a dud doesn't mean they should feel too burned.
Website http://www.zackspace.org/
Cash on Hand Space 76,000 Ney 474,000
Final good news.
I promised other good news, and here it is. In four targeted races IN 2,8,9 and NC 11 , Democrat Challengers got more votes in their primaries than did four sitting Congress people. These are all Bush 56+ districts. So Kos and Kossacks, calm down and focus on the marginal House races you can be bring real attention to. Paging Lew Katz.