Two Cuyahoga Cty Commissioners to Endorse Strickland

[Schmajo]

The Strickland campaign announced yesterday (1/11) that Cuyahoga County Commissioners Tim Hagan and Peter Lawson Jones will endorse Congressman Ted Strickland to be Ohio's next governor today in Cleveland.

The endorsement announcement will take place at 10:30 at the County Administration Building,Lakeside Avenue Steps,1219 Ontario St., Cleveland.

Of course, presumably conspicuous by his absence, will be Commissioner (and County Democratic Chairman) Jimmy Dimora.

Does anyone have any insight into whether or not the Cuyahoga County party will do endorsements before the Primary?

[geiger]

1. To endorse, or not endorse?

I doubt that they will endorse. Unions that are endorsing before the primary might certainly be shooting themselves in the foot.
What is your opinion? I think it's a bad politics generally to endorse in primaries, but with all the upheaval over 2,3,4,5, having a new Chair, etc., etc., this time around, I think it really would be a bad idea.

[Schmajo]

4. I'm ambivalent

(sounds just like a Liberal)

In the abstract, I think "the Party" should not endorse before the Primary, at least if there are two or more legitimate candidates. By "legitimate," I mean persons who are in the (broad) mainstream of the party and can expect to generate substantial support.

Having said that, I am a Strickland partisan, for reasons I have spelled out on this message board, and I want my candidate to get as many early endorsements as possible.

It's like any other bet -- if the person (or union, or County party) endorses the eventual nominee, it was a "good decision." If one endorses the loser -- well, you know.

I would suggest the 'guiding principle' on this question should be "WWBR" -- "Who Will Beat Republicans?" (I think I'll make some wrist bands.)

[WCGreen]

2. If the executive committee chooses to endorse,

then Jimmy will make it so....

Jimmy empowered the rank and file, executive committee members and precinct committee members, to open the endorsement process...

Jimmy will not take an open stance on any candidate unless they receive the endorsement of the Executive committee...

[geiger]

3. I agree