Although Rep. Tim Ryan (D, OH-16) is regarded as a strong potential candidate for the seat of retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R), lots of people in Ohio have been saying that he is too invested in his prospects for House leadership (aided by his close relationship with Speaker Pelosi) to pursue the opportunity. That's not the sense I get from Ryan's decision to issue a statement today, immediately following the official announcement of Voinovich's retirement, indicating that he's open to considering a run.
Full text of statement after the break.
Here is the statement just released:
"Senator Voinovich has served the people of the State of Ohio with distinction for almost thirty years. In my time in the House of Representatives I have had an opportunity to partner with him on meaningful legislation to help bring jobs and economic opportunity back to the state," said Congressman Tim Ryan. "I am singularly focused on what's best for my constituents in Northeast Ohio. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee I am in a very good position to help create and expand important economic development initiatives in the State of Ohio. That said, if I can have a greater impact by being in the Senate, I will certainly consider it."
Ostensibly this just leaves the door open, but for my money issuing the statement so quickly is a sign that Ryan is very, very interested.
Although a strong candidate because of his intelligence, appeal to labor and the working class in general, and solid progressive positions on economic issues, I'm turned off by Ryan's stance on choice (he is a founder of "Democrats for Life").
Of the other candidates being mentioned, I don't at all think Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner can, should, or will make a serious run at it. Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher is a possibility but wouldn't be nearly as strong statewide as southeastern-based Gov. Ted Strickland so don't be fooled into thinking he'd have an easy time of it. Mayor Mike Coleman of Columbus would be an interesting candidate, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D, OH-9) has strong labor support but I don't think she's fare well statewide, and I don't understand why people keep mentioning Rep. Betty Sutton (D, OH-13) because it is way too son for her to make such a bid.
UPDATE: Okay, I assumed that the earlier item in Politico that former Cincinnati-area congressman Rob Portman, who was also director of OMB and Trade Representative under Bush, is reportedly ready to announce would have already been diaried, but perhaps it has not. The link is here. Portman has a $1.5 million campaign chest left over from his days in Congress, and is probably the GOP's strongest candidate. What remains to be seen is if he can redefine himself as a "pragmatist who works across the aisle" so as to overcome the taint of his association with the Bush administration.
2d UPDATE: Here is the Politico item in reaction to Ryan's statement.