Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-13) spokesperson Joanna Kuebler, on Brown's previous statement he would not run: "His statement has not changed at this time. However, Congressman Brown continues to be asked by state and national supporters to run for the United States Senate in Ohio. Personal and professional obligations have changed since his initial decision. He is consulting with supporters and his family about a possible run" (Hotline reporting, 10/3).Kos thinks Sherrod's off-again-on-again action is "weird". Nuthin weird about it. As democracy guy points out, polling that shows Paul Hackett leading Dewine, while undeniably a tribute to Hackett's rising star, basically means Dewine is in big, big trouble against any opponent. Brown can read polls, too. Plus Kuebler's assertion that Sherrod "continues to be asked by state and national supporters to run for the United States Senate" is not the usual hot air in this case; a lot of Ohio Democrats have been just as antsy as me about his choice to sit this one out.
So there might be a Democratic primary in 2006. So much the better. All the candidates can use as much early statewide exposure as possible, especially Hackett, Strickland and Coleman. The bigger the suspense, the bigger the headlines in May and June.
Run, Sherrod, run!