Coughlin Running for Guv.

In lieu of one of my mewling post about sorry I've been away and now the blog is back, let's just jump into it.

To no one's surprise (least of all followers of the Pages) term-limited State Senator Kevin Coughlin has announced his candidacy for Governor. Given the number of other term-limited R's looking to take a run at Ted, Coughlin at this point has to be considered a longshot.

What intrigues me is how ugly the resultant primary may be. One need not search far to find the rumors about Coughlin. Up until now he hasn't had to concern himself much as he hasn't had opponents either sufficiently well-funded or sufficiently mean-spirited to perform and use that sort of opposition research. Plus the rumors are the sort that Dems have a hard time getting worked up over.

But that all changes once he's in a statewide race with other Republicans. And with Alex Arshinkoff looking to settle scores to boot.

Oh yes, the Arshinkoff factor. Coughlin failed in his bid to bring Alex down. And while the anti-Alex activists could point to his supposed losing streak before the election, it's hard to do so after this past election. As he has done in the past, Alex rocked the non-partisan elections, which is to say he did about as well as any Republican chair in a Dem county in a Dem year could do.

So. Coughlin in a state-wide primary. A resurgent Arshinkoff looking for payback.

Pass the popcorn.

Breaking: Russ Pry Is New County Executive

From the Beacon Journal:

The Summit County Democratic Central Committee has tapped county Democratic Party Chairman Russell M. Pry to be the new county executive.

Tonight's vote at Akron's North High School was 201-38.

Pry will finish the term of the now-retired James McCarthy and will have the option of running for election to a full four-year term in November 2008.

From Akron News Now:

While gaining this position, he'll have to resign from the Akron Public Library Board and Summit County Board of Elections. But that's not a concern to him, right now he wants to focus on the county and the economy was the topic of discussion.

He was pleased to be chosen and said that his leadership in the community makes him qualified for the job.

ANN also has audio up of Russ talking about economic development.

Absent word that he plans to step down as Party Chair, we presume he will not. Which will be interesting.

Francis Strickland Coming to Akron

From the ebag, Ohio’s first lady will speak at a Bliss Institute event honoring Women’s History Month. She will discuss “her experiences in
politics and share her ideas on how
to empower others to get involved.”
Details:

Date and Time:
Monday, March 12, 2007, 11:30 a.m.
Place:
Martin University Center,
105 Fir Hill
Reservations:
Cost is $6
Call the Bliss Institute at
330-972-5182
For more information:
Call 330-972-5182, e-mail
bliss[at]uakron[dot]edu, or visit
The Bliss Institute

And yes, Jill is on the same email list.