Russo on Strickland’s Pick: Big Mistake

Interesting comment on the Strickland/Fisher post I thought I’d shuffle up to the top via Tim Russo. Since he can’t post, I wanted to be sure his voice was heard on it (knew those NEO folks would chime in):

“This is the biggest mistake Ted Strickland?s campaign has made yet, and may have given Fingerhut a chance to slam dunk this primary if he can convince Peter Lawson Jones to be his running mate.

Of all the alchemy calculations that the Strickland campaign seems to be entirely based upon, the idea that, hey, let?s combat the NE Ohio Jewish opponent by putting a NE Ohio Jew on the ticket, is really quite offensive, insulting to the primary electorate, and worst of all, stupid.

Lee Fisher is so yesterday?s news, it isn?t even funny. I suppose Strickland is attempting to somehow freeze Eric?s fundraising base, but again, as with the entire Strickland Alchemy, it?s theory is too clever by half. That base is quite happy and capable to hedge bets and donate to both campaigns, and if forced to make a choice, would certainly raher give TO a guy who might be governor rather than THROUGH a guy who might be Lt. Governor.

And whatever base Lee Fisher may have had when he LOST FOR GOVERNOR IN 1998 to?.drum roll please?.BOB TAFT?.it is well gone now. Repeat. Lee Fisher lost to Bob Taft for governor only 8 years ago. What this man brings to the ticket is beyond my comprehension. Someone should ask him if he plans to give up his $300,000 a year salary at a non-profit if he wins?given the double dipping inherent in the Strickland camp (see Redfern) it is an entirely legitimate question.

Back to the stupidity part. Compared to the base of Peter Lawson Jones, a sitting county commisioner in the biggest county in the primary, who could bring close to 80% of the 11th Congressional district electorate with him, Lee Fisher is a sad joke. Perhaps Peter doesn?t want to run on this ticket, or any ticket, but if he was interested, to pick Lee over Peter is an astoundingly poor decision.

The way is open for Eric to make a statement about diversity in the party, lock up his base in NE Ohio, and potentially win this primary by his LG pick ALONE. Here?s hoping that Peter is interested.”