I'm worried about Ohio. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that Ken Blackwell could be our next governor. It makes me slightly less sick to think that Jim Petro could be our next governor, only because I don't know much about the guy. But the thing that makes me want to end it is that, despite a double digit lead in the polls and mass Republican corruption affecting both GOP gubenatorial candidates, the Democrats will probably blow it.
First, I'm going to blame myself. Instead of bitching about this, I could be the change I wish to see. I could give up my job that I spent the last 7 1/2 years going to school for and I could move into a cheaper place and I could steamroll my way into the Strickland campaign or into the Ohio Democratic Party. I am not doing as much as I could. I'm leaving it up to people who, from what I've experienced, aren't prepared for the challenge ahead.
Ted Strickland seems like a great guy and a fine candidate. He grew up poor in the heartland of Ohio and busted his ass to become a clinical psychologist, a methodist minister, and then a U.S. rep (only after many failed attempts). His 'come from nothin' working man roots resonate deep within me and I would love it if he were our next governor. I fear it won't happen.
About a month ago, I was at a field training session for Ted's campaign. About 50-60 people showed up to brush up on canvassing, phone banking, and letter writing. Before the training, one of the volunteer coordinators gave a speech with a message to the effect of, "The Republicans are plagued by corruption. We conducted a poll which indicated that if we get the message out to Ohio voters that Ted Strickland has a comprehensive jobs program, we will win 65% of the vote. All we have to do is get this message out and we have it in the bag." I wanted to scream. Why the hell was she telling people that we wouldn't have to work hard to win the election? Didn't she remember working herself to the bone for Kerry and not even coming close? How could she tell people that we had it in the bag when the two guys Strickland is up against are both powerhouses and when the winner of the primary will get the full backing of a Republican National Committee that will do anything to keep Ohio red for 2008?
I wouldn't be upset had this been an isolated experience. But my sense is that the Strickland operation, in general, lacks urgency. I've been in the main office for volunteer events about 5 times, so I'm by no means an authoritative source about the campaign but I have observed enough times to feel confident about what I'm saying. The campaign does seem organized, the folks in the main office do seem competent, the daily e-mails I receive show me that Strickland is working his ass off. But, I still don't feel the sense of urgency, the competitve spirit, the drive, the killer instinct necessary to win an election here.
The problem isn't just within the Strickland campaign. Overconfidence among Ohio Dems is spreading to epidemic proportions.
There appear to be at least two factions of Ohio Democrats-those who think 2006 is in the bag and those who know that we will have to fight harder and smarter than ever to win. The ones who think we'll sweep in 2006 tend to be old school Democrats. See Sherrod Brown supporters. The latter group, on the other hand, is generally new to politics, outspoken, and is brimming with drive, energy, and ideas. See former Paul Hackett supporters. One of these groups has let Ohio go to pot. The other helped Hackett nearly pull off a victory in arguably the most Republican district in the state. The members of one group tend to be soft spoken and think that voters are appalled by straight shooting and rough and tumble politics. The members of the other understand that it's not only OK to be tough and be a Democrat- you fucking have to be tough to have a chance as a Democrat! One side is waiting for the Republicans to destroy themselves. The other isn't afraid to kick them when they're down. One side is content to rely on the tried and true machine that got former greats Glenn, Metzenbaum, and Celeste elected. The other accepts that the old machine is dead and that a new one must be built and that the old one is only getting in the way of real work. One group does things the way they've always been done and thinks that if only you work hard enough and collect enough money, you will win. The other isn't afraid to start on a dime, get creative, explore new frontiers, tackle complex problems, and push past boundaries. One faction feels that virtue and clean campaigning will shine through and win the day. The other values virtue and clean campaigns but realizes that politics is by definition dirty and that the greater good is getting our guy in there whatever it takes.
My guess is that most folks who visit this site are not overconfident. Some may be considered old school Dems but few are overconfident. We've been jilted hardcore and we're not about to underestimate the Republicans again.
I want to be sure that we get the word out. Ohio is not in the bag. The Republicans here are not ruined. Far from it. The governors race will be excruciatingly tough and all Ohio dems need desperately to understand that, lest they want Ken Blackwell to sail to an easy victory.
I vow tonight to get off my ass. I'm here in Columbus, Ohio, ground zero, for a reason-to help change the course of the world by starting with the most important state. I have summers off work but won't be vacationing. The Strickland campaign will get my time. I won't bitch about Hackett or curse the old-school dems anymore; I'll try to be the change I want to see. Ohio is too important for excuses. It's time to get back to work.