Senate races: Ohio & Missouri

[Toronto Ron]

I have read almost nothing about the all-important quest to take back the Senate.

If Gephardt and Kucinich drop out of the race in January or February, would it be too late for them to enter the Senate races against repug incumbents in MO & OH? Is this at all likely? Are Bond & Voinovich beatable? Have any quality Dems already tossed their hats in for these races?

[OhioStateProgressive]

1. not really

Dennis is running for his House seat again

Jerry Springer had tossed around the idea...I would've supported him, he actually had a decent record as mayor of Cincinatti

Eric Fingerhut(state senator) is the main Democrat, it appears

[OhioStateProgressive]

2. i will say the next Governor of Ohio will be

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman

Dennis probably could win it, but it honestly would be tough

[Philostopher]

3. You don't think they have Ken Blackwell lined up for that one?

I'm expecting the Republicans to offer him up.

[OhioStateProgressive]

4. for governor?

yeah, I could easily see that...and he might get support...but Coleman will carry the big three cities, and it will be tough for the repubs to win this time if the inner cities unite...which they didn't, and haven't done for a few years

since this is the same inner city base that will deliver Dennis the Ohio Primary, I doubt the cities will go repub this time for governor

[mndemocrat_29]

5. Voinovich isn't really vulnerable

And Kucinich's problems as mayor of Cleveland could hurt him statewide.

As for Missouri, Gephardt jumping in doesn't seem likely (I have a feeling he's done with politics, period, if he isn't the nominee in 2004. However, his one other chance, which would be a much easier win, would be if he ran against Talent in 2006). However, we have a very quality candidate in State Treasurer Nancy Farmer. She has statewide experience, Missouri races are always close so she'll definitely have a shot, there are competitive races for president and governor to drive up Democratic support, and Bond has low approval ratings. Plus, though it is somewhat a border state, the Southern female candidates approach that has been discussed as of late could come into play.

[OhioStateProgressive]

6. well Dennis isn't running for Senate(nt)

[mndemocrat_29]

7. I know that Kucinich isn't running for the Senate

But the original poster was asking if he would.

[OhioStateProgressive]

8. true:)

if he did, I would certainly be as active for him in that race as I am now with him for President

[goobergunch]

9. Ohio has a January 2nd filing deadline

which will be too late for Kucinich.