With the retirement of George Voinovich, many view his Ohio Senate seat as a potential pick-up opportunity for Democrats in 2010. The Republicans will have a solid candidate in Rob Portman, but Ohio has been trending blue over the past two cycles.
Everyone knew Lee Fisher would run for the Democratic nomination, but now Jennifer Brunner has announced she will run as well.
Ohio Sec. of State Jennifer Brunner formally entered the 2010 Senate race today by announcing her candidacy in a video released this afternoon.
“I’m running for the United States Senate to be a part of the solution, to meet our challenges and to help Ohio emerge stronger than ever,” Brunner says in her announcement video.
Joining Brunner in the Democratic primary contest will be Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, who is set to announce his candidacy at a news conference this evening in Columbus. Gov. Ted Strickland (D) said publicly two weeks ago that Fisher was the “best qualified” candidate among the Democrats considering a bid.
The winner of the Brunner-Fisher primary will likely face former Congressman and U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman (R) in the general election. Portman announced his candidacy a month ago.
Despite her popularity, Brunner will be taking on the Democratic establishment in Ohio. Governor Strickland is behind Fisher, and now Tim Ryan has rushed out an endorsement of Fisher as well.
Brunner has been excellent so far as Secretary of State, and she will be a formidable opponent for Fisher, and for Portman should she get the nomination. In her announcement video, she took a shot at those who helped the get us into this economic threat, a not-so-subtle reference to Portman, who was part of George W. Bush’s economic team.
