Most of us would agree that in order for a Democrat to have a shot at winning OH-02, we have to hope that Jean Schmidt makes it through her primary battle with former Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich. The odds of that happening would certainly improve if another challenger emerged to split the anti-incumbent vote with Heimlich. And it looks like that may be the case, as state Rep. Todd Brinkman is sending out an email release today announcing his candidacy.
Brinkman finished third in the 2005 OH-02 primary, earning 20% of the vote. Interestingly, his Wikipedia bio includes a paragraph about an incident of petition fraud that Brinkman participated in, and was verbally reprimanded for by a local judge earlier this year. Sounds like a real “winner”.
(H/T: Buckeye State Blog)
this district, we must not only be facing Jean Schmidt, but we must have somebody other than Hillary Clinton on the Presidential ballot. Hillary Clinton would drive out the Republican base to levels too high for any Democrat to overcome. We would basically be committing suicide by nominating Hillary.
Brinkman is a very serious politician in the district, and head of an influential group of state senate Republicans (who really hate Jean). His challenge is serious, but probably will only serve to siphon off votes from Heimlich (in a repeat of 2005). Which is good news for Vic or Steve.