Coleman Drops Out

[Schmajo]

This just in (as they say) ---

By Joe Hallett
The Columbus Dispatch
Mayor Michael B. Coleman today will quit the race for governor after his miscue-plagued campaign failed to get traction. Greg Haas, Coleman's campaign manager, said that Coleman has scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. in the mayor's office to announce his withdrawal.

"This was not a matter of electability," Haas said. "Frankly, it was a matter of personal priorites of his familiy and his being mayor . . . He just decided he wasn't going to pull away from his family and from his responsibilities of being mayor."

Coleman's exit leaves U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon as the only major announced candidate for governor, although state Sen. Eric Fingerhut of Cleveland has indicated he might enter the race soon.

Coleman's campaign has been beset with problems, most recently the arrest of his wife, Frankie, by Bexley police Oct. 20 for drunken-driving. She pleaded guilty Nov. 9 in Franklin County Municipal Court to charges of drunken driving and failure to control.

The Coleman family underwent an emotional toll over the past year when his son, J.D., a marine, spent a year in Iraq with Lima Company, which suffered many casualties.

[mosin]

1. Good decision

I believe Mayor Coleman made the right decision for the party. Now I hope Sen. Fingerhut stays out and lets Rep. Strickland--the best candidate--have the field.

I don't believe Eric is a viable statewide candidate in the general election. I fear Eric winning the Dem primary would give us Gov. Blackwell. :puke:

[realisticphish]

5. I love fingerhut

but i agree that he isnt a viable candidate. for whatever reason, people seemed to have latched onto him as some whacko. i have no idea why, but then when has this state's politics ever been logical :shrug:

[Kolesar]

2. The best thing about this is no primary fight to hurt the Dem candidate

But it looks like there is going to be a "Celebrity Death Match" going on in the gop gubernatorial race. :popcorn:

[Schmajo]

3. But Primaries can be good

to gain statewide recognition. Although I have been a Strickland supporter, I was looking forward to a (civilized) Primary to focus attention on Ted in all parts of the state. It's a lot easier to get news coverage if there is an actual contest.

[liberalnurse]

7. Thats what makes this feel good.

I detest Democratic in-fighting....especially since we take so damn much crap from the right...we can not afford to waste valuable assets.

[Kukesa]

9. Amen. Amen. n/t

[Schmajo]

4. By the way, Ted's reaction

STRICKLAND STATEMENT ON MAYOR COLEMAN ANNOUNCEMENT

Mayor Michael Coleman is a man of deep personal integrity and great public leadership. As he has shown time and time again, his commitment to family and the people of Columbus is absolute.

He is a true leader and he represents the best of what it means to be a Democrat. Mayor Coleman's life story embodies hope and opportunity. And we can all learn from his continued dedicated service to our state.

[liberalnurse]

8. Strickland is a charmer.....

a true gentleman.......:loveya:

[Hippo_Tron]

10. Strickland is a model of what "blue dog" Democrats SHOULD be like

He's a bit middle of the road on social issues but has strong populist stands on an economic agenda and has no trouble telling the truth about the war.

If he weren't already around 60 I think that people would be talking about a possible future presidential bid the day he is elected Governor.

[Earl from Ohio]

6. Is Bryan Flannery still running?

http://www.flanneryforgovernor.com/

Someone told me that they saw him speak at an event not long ago. (But he isn't mentioned in any of today's press coverage.)

[psychprof]

11. the quixotic campaign marches on

Yes. He was campaigning at the Williams County Democrats Annual Dinner this past Tuesday. . .

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/NEWS09/511300467&SearchID=73228145061284

[newyawker99]

12. Hi psychprof!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: