National Dems Rally Around Ted Strickland, Not Ohio Dem Sittenfeld

[DonViejo]

National Democrats are rallying around former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) in the state's Democratic primary to determine who will face Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) in 2016, seeking to marginalize Democratic Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld.

In a rare move on Tuesday, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced its support for Strickland in the primary. It's uncommon for a national party committee to weigh in on a primary with no incumbent.

"[T]here is no question that he is the strongest candidate to defeat Rob Portman," DSCC Executive Director Tom Lopach said in a statement. "We look forward to supporting Ted Strickland’s campaign and are confident that he will be a great Senator."

The nod toward Strickland came a day after Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) endorsed him. Last week Strickland rolled out the endorsements of Ohio Democratic U.S. Reps. Marcia Fudge, Tim Ryan, and Joyce Beatty.

more
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dscc-supports-ted-strickland

[CincyDem]

1. Not a surprise but probably a losing proposition

These are the same folks that picked Lee Fisher (aka "The Mummy&quot over Jennifer Brunner in Portman's first win. Strickland is a really good guy and he'll have a lot of curb appeal to the 65 and over Dems. Sittenfeld is a young Ivy League guy that's going places. Given the reception he's been given in the Ohio party - it wouldn't surprise me to see him either leave Ohio for a blue state that really wants blue representation in Washington or jumps the aisle. Repubs are a lot more accepting of fallen away dems than dems seem to be of previous repubs.

Too bad - he's a good kid with a great future...somewhere.

And to those who say "he'll get his shot, just not this time"...look how well that worked when the state party threw their support behind the Mummy.

[geek tragedy]

2. how well is an Ivy league kid going to play statewide though? nt

[CincyDem]

4. I'd say pretty good.

He's very personably, clear in his message, focused on progress. And IIRC, Ohio played pretty well statewide for the last Ivy League "kid" who blew through in 2012. (In spite of our SoS' voter suppression efforts).

I know it's a tough call but Portman is going to crush the optics versus Strickland. Just like with Fisher, if you now nothing about them you'll swear Portman is the progressive dem and Strickland is the stodgy repub. At least Sittenfeld will look the part...and, as my wife likes to remind me more often that I think is healthy, he'll play well among some segment of female voters.

Obviously I'll be working for Strickland if (when) he makes it to the general but I just wish to God they would find someone who could make this a 2 dem state.

[No Vested Interest]

7. Many Cincy Dems who voted for Sittenfeld have not gotten over

his flip-flop on the streetcar issue.
He also had apparently indicated that he would get out of the Senate race if Strickland chose to run. - At least, that's the way many interpreted his words -"That could change things".
The flip-flopping meme could come back to bite him if/when he runs against a Republican.

No doubt Sittenfeld is a money-raising machine, and gets the ear of many well-connected pols and contributors.
And, no doubt, Ohio Dems could use some fresh faces and younger voices.
Just not sure that PG hasn't spoiled the pot before it's had a chance to do its magic.

[Android3.14]

3. The Democrats need younger leaders

While I have enormous respect for their experience, one of the reasons we've been losing is the stranglehold of the sexagenarians and septuagenarians on Democratic leadership and the out-of-date knowledge and undeserved trust for their opposition that they bring to the table.

[CincyDem]

5. Compared to Cruz and Cotton...

...Sittenfeld is an responsible adult who is a breath of fresh air.

[Corey_Baker08]

6. Strickland Will Be A Strong Candidate With Statewide Recognition...

I personally worked on both Ted Strickland's Campaigns for Governor in Ohio and I can tell you first hand he won the Governorship in 2006 with a broad base of support from not only Democrats but with the support of Independents as well as a few Republicans.

Strickland lost reelection due to Democrat fatigue. Many including myself wanted and truly believe that if Ted Strickland had run against Kasich for Governor in this last election he would have won!

While I am not familiar with Councilman Sittenfield I do however wish him nothing but the best of luck. As a 25 year old I do support and believe that the future of the Democratic Party will rely on younger, well educated individuals like himself who are not corrupted by the ways of Washington.

[stevenleser]

8. I understand the reasoning. They are afraid of a dog of a candidate dragging down the Prez nominee

in all important Ohio. Strickland may lose, but he won't be a drag on the Democratic Presidential nominee.