Hackett was in Columbus today.

I had the honor of attending a neighborhood party tonight, and Hackett was the guest of honor. The party was hosted by two wonderful Democrats in my neighborhood that I meet last year during the Kerry campaign.

There were probably about two hundred people there total. Senator Ted Strickland and a few representatives were there along with some local politicians including the Mayor of Columbus Mike Coleman.

Paul Hackett was the guest of honor and the only speaker. He spoke for about a half hour. He spoke mainly about how and why he decided to go into politics. He touched on abortion, guy rights and gun control and made his position know on all three, but stressed that he wants to concentrate on things that really matter such as the economy and jobs.

This is the first time I have meet him, and he is a very likable guy. He is very down to earth and my impression is that he is one of us, and not your typical politician. He is a man for the people.

One statement he made that really stuck out was how he felt that the Republican party had been taken over by a bunch of religious fanatics and that religion had no place in politics. If people want government to be ran by religious leaders then they can move to Afghanistan or Iran. You do not elect a politician based on their religious belief, you go to church for your spiritual leader ship.

He hinted that he would be running in a political race soon, but made no formal announcements. Others at the event informed me that he can not announce until he files certain legal paper work.

"DSCC: Paul Hackett WILL challenge Sen. DeWine in Ohio!

According to DailyKOS, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-Ny., said at a fundraiser that Hackett is "definitely running" for Senate and that he believes he will oust DeWine."

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/18/71357/8725

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4813186

good point, go Hackett!

He's much more valuable as a candidate. Do you get the sense that he's done with the military and is going to stick with politics?

I wish he would go after that horrible woman, Jean Schmidt, again. She is much, much worse than DeWine. Would love to see a Dem win in conservative Cincinnati, as well.

Although he did not come right out and say it.