Ohio: Musical Chairs

Major developments occurred in the important Ohio Governor’s race yesterday.  The top two Republican candidates, in terms of polling and fundraising, joined forces in an announcement to unify the party ticket.  Attorney General and former US Senator Mike DeWine will lead the new team with Secretary of State and former state House Speaker Jon Husted dropping his own run for Governor in order to join DeWine as his running mate for Lt. Governor.  Later in the day, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Rep. Jim Renacci (R-Wadsworth) both confirmed they are staying in the race.
 
Meanwhile, former Consumer Protection Financial Bureau director and ex-Ohio Attorney General and Treasurer Richard Cordray is expected to make a formal announcement next week about entering the Democratic gubernatorial nomination campaign.  He will join former US Rep. Betty Sutton, Dayton Mayor Nan Whatley, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni (D-Mahoning County), and former state Rep. Connie Pillich who are already in the race.  Gov. John Kasich (R) is ineligible to seek a third term. 

--Jim Ellis