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Kansas governor rallies local Dems
The Canton Repository
September 13, 2006
By Malcolm Hall
Though Kathleen Sebelius governs a state 600 miles away, she senses Ohio voters are “poised” to put Democrats in power this coming election. Sebelius, governor of Kansas, joined local officials and party loyalists Tuesday evening in trying to capture enthusiasm and a sense of duty to end the Republicans' long hold on power. Her focus was on endorsing the candidacy of U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Lisbon, the gubernatorial nominee. “I don't think there is any question, Ohio is poised for a turnaround,” Sebelius said while speaking at the annual Stark County Democratic Party Patrons Dinner. “There is such a need for a turnaround in this state. It breaks my heart when I read about the amount of job losses in Ohio.” Judging by the number of diners inside the Executive Event Center hall, there is substantial support for the Democratic Party's effort this year. There were very few empty chairs at the event, which is a major fundraiser for the county Democrats. “This is the largest one I have ever seen,” said Randy Gonzalez, executive vice chairman of the county Democratic Party. “I just think this year people are excited about the Democrats and electing Democrats.” Gonzalez also is Jackson Township fiscal officer. Sebelius took a swipe at the Republican candidate for governor, Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell. She said Blackwell is “really a candidate about dismantling government, dismantling education and dismantling the very important safety net that is in place for the citizens.” Sebelius is in her first term as governor of Kansas. She is the daughter of former Ohio Gov. John Gilligan, a Democrat in power during the early 1970s. Statewide candidates and their supporting family members joined the local Democrats in trying to energize their respective campaigns. Among the supporters at the dinner was Frances Strickland, the gubernatorial candidate's wife. Two candidates seeking Ohio Supreme Court seats, Appeals Court Judge William O'Neill of Chagrin Falls and Ben Espy, a former member of the Ohio Senate, made Candidate Jennifer Brunner, seeking the secretary of state post, brought up the controversy that befell the Ohio vote count during the 2004 presidential election. The secretary of state is the lead officer in charge of elections. “I want to make sure our elections in Ohio are free, fair and open and so we can audit and verify them,” Brunner, a former Franklin County judge, said. “I will not use this job as a steppingstone as did (Gov.) Bob Taft and Ken Blackwell.” Reach Repository writer Malcolm Hall at (330) 580-8305 or e-mail: malcolm.hall@cantonrep.com
