ODP chair race is really getting ugly

Check out the posts over at buckeyepolitics.net. We really need to get a handle on it, there is some really ugly strong-arming going on.

Basically, Redfern's people are trying to force committee members to a voice vote, which, as anyone who has attended these meetings knows, is a way for the thugs backing Redfern (Bill Mason & Pat O'Malley) to intimidate voters and make good on retribution. Usually, these elections are held according to a silent ballot, which keeps records open, but allows voters to cast their ballot without announcing it.

If Redfern is a good politician, he really shouldn't let himself be linked with these DLC guys and their nasty tactics. Ted Strickland surely shouldn't do it either.

Is anyone available in Columbus on Dec. 19 to observe this vote?

http://www.buckeyepolitics.net/2005/12/07/odp-redfern-camp-opposing-secret-ballots/#comments

I was at a campaign meeting and we never had time to catch-up on the damn gossip. It's between Lieberman and Redfern. I love both of them.......

I agree that secret voting is always better because of retribution by the winner. It sounds like a voice vote is the rule-- a bad rule, but the rule. I don't like Redfern, however I think he has the right to ask for a voice vote. Hopefully, he is savvy enough to know not to ostracize the executive committee on what would be his first day.

Also, from what I've heard the executive committee plans to meet behind closed doors for the vote. The announcement of the new Chair will take place at the Holiday Party later that night. The blog says the voting should be open to the public, but that isn't the current plan. I'm going to attend the party that night, so if the doors are open, I would like to arrive early and watch. If anyone hears more, please post it.

The December 19th Event, including the ODP Chair selection process, will be open to the public. The event will be held at the Hartman on Main building (corner of 4th and Main) in Columbus, OH. The chair selection process will begin at 6PM. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis with Executive Committee members and county chairs being seated first.

If you'd just like to come for the holiday party, the party will begin following the selection of the new chair.

not secret. That is my understanding.

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/113420701928751.xml&coll=2

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Columbus - Candidates are vying feverishly for victory. Landing endorsements. Issuing policy platforms. Shaking hands. Even fashioning get-out-the-vote plans.

No, they are not running for public office - though it may look like it. They are contenders in the normally sleepy selection of the next Ohio Democratic Party chairman.

With Ohio Republicans injured by scandal and the 2004 presidential vote in Ohio so closely split, more people than anyone can recall are fighting for the blue party's helm.

"The dynamics of this race are different from any other race that I've been involved in or seen," said candidate Dennis Lieberman, chairman of the Montgomery County Democrats. "To get a grip on it is a little bit like herding cats."...

http://www.cleveland.com/search/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1134639140295470.xml?ocnay&coll=2

Thursday, December 15, 2005
Mark Naymik
Plain Dealer Columnist

Northeast Ohio Democrats made a play this week to garner more power within their state party in a move that also intensifies the battle for the vacant party chairmanship.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Cleveland union leader John Ryan and former congressman Dennis Eckart endorsed Dennis Lieberman for state party chairman. For their support, the Dayton-area party leader pledged to share his power with Tubbs Jones and the others, potentially giving the Democrat-rich Northeast a greater say in party operations.

"This doesn't mean calling them up every once and awhile and asking them for their advice - this is a partnership," Lieberman said.

Lieberman is one of a half-dozen people who want to be the next party chairman. Eckart dropped out of the race Tuesday to back Lieberman...